We’ve covered almost as many hot tub-related topics in our Backyard Blast articles as we’ve covered tubs. Well, not really, but you get our point. We figured that it’s been a while since we got back to basics and talked about things like – why would you even want a spa or hot tub? What are the important things to consider when choosing a Spa hot tub? We realize we may be biased in our love for hot tubs, but we also have lots of information to help you make your decision. The last thing we’d want is for anyone to buy a hot tub that they aren’t ultimately happy with – the whole point is to enjoy it!
Why Buy A Spa Or Hot Tub?
There are so many reasons why you may want to buy a hot tub. First of all, they open up a host of possibilities in terms of socializing and relaxation. If you like to entertain at your place, a hot tub is perfect for sharing with friends. Hot tubs and spas can also help you make the most of bad weather. Who cares if it’s been overcast for eight days straight: you can live it up in your hot tub no matter what! Sure, sitting outside in a hot tub while it’s raining may not be the most appealing thing, and you definitely don’t want to be in one during a lightning storm. But in the winter it can be a great way to get cozy on a chilly evening. We don’t mean to blow your mind, but your hot tub doesn’t always necessarily need to be hot: during sweltering summer days, bring the temp down and use it to cool off. Hot tubs are more versatile than you may think!
Hot tubs are also known to alleviate certain physical discomfort, as they can be classified as a form of hydrotherapy. If your back is a bit sore for example, hop in the tub to see if it makes a difference. Even if you aren’t dealing with minor aches and pains, the relaxation factor from water jets is second to none. We could go on and on about why you should buy a hot tub, so let’s move on before we’re here all day.
Choosing The Right Hot Tub For You
First off, you have an incredible amount of choices to consider when you enter the hot tub market. Don’t let it overwhelm you – it’s a good thing to be spoiled for choice! One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether you’d rather have a standard hot tub, or an inflatable one. Our covers are made to suit standard tubs, but we still see the merit in choosing an inflatable tub. Inflatable tubs tend to be less expensive and more portable. They also tend to require more frequent maintenance. For example, their filters have a much shorter lifespan than their standard counterparts. If you’re more curious about inflatable tubs, check out this Backyard Blast article [link to lay-z-spa post], which covers one of our favourite inflatable tub brands, and discusses things like how to clean a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub. These tips and tricks of course extend to most (if not all) inflatable hot tubs.
Standard tubs are usually more expensive outright, but cheaper in the long-run, they are also more difficult to move (as they can’t simply be deflated). The lifespan of a standard hot tub tends to be substantially longer than their inflatable counterparts. This is mainly because they are easier to clean and often more durable. Standard hot tubs are also more likely to come with built-in seating for an extra layer of comfort. Keep in mind these characteristics are meant to be general guidelines, as outliers to the norm do exist.
Common Questions
Can I use my spa or hot tub year-round?
Here in the CA, our winters typically don’t include much in the way of snow, but even if that was the case, it would be a resounding yes! As we said earlier in this article, there’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot tub with snow all around you. The enjoyment of any season is enhanced when you add a hot tub to the mix.
How much work is a hot tub to maintain?
It doesn’t often get too cold here in the CA, but it is worth budgeting to ensure that you can afford the general running costs, like hydro and chemicals. The last thing you’d want is to be ‘tub poor’. Depending on whether you choose an inflatable or standard tub, you’ll be wanting to clean the filters out between once a week to once every two weeks or so. This of course can vary slightly with frequency of use. Overall, it does take some effort to keep your tub in working order, but trust us – it’s worth it.
How much should I be paying for a spa or hot tub?
This is a really tricky one. The easiest answer would be whatever suits your budget and lifestyle. Having all the bells and whistles is great, but it isn’t exactly necessary for an enjoyable soak. There are certain aspects of a tub that will drive the price up. Some of the biggest variables would be capacity and brand name. For example, if you want a tub that will comfortably hold eight people, you can expect to pay quite a bit more than someone that only needs a four-person tub.
How long will my hot tub last?
The answer to this question depends entirely on you. There is of course a degree of longevity that is outside of your hands, but you ultimately have the power to keep your tub going for decades, or just weeks. For example, if you purchase an inflatable hot tub and ignore it completely, it will become irredeemably filthy to the point that you’ll have to chalk it up as a failed investment (don’t do this).
Take Good Care Of Your New Tub
If you end up taking the plunge (or soak), and procure for yourself a fine hot tub make sure you maintain it properly. It’s just like owning a car: frequent maintenance is required in order for you to protect your investment. The first step of hot tub maintenance is getting yourself a quality tub cover, and we can certainly help with that. A good cover will extend the lifespan of your tub, and make your time with it more enjoyable. It will also help maintain water temperatures, keep the water free of debris, and protect the tub from bad weather.
