Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
2 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
7 Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy a Hot Tub
If you're buying a hot tub for the first
time, you're probably already aware of
some of the benefits a portable spa has to
offer (more on this later). But how much
do you know about the hot tub itself? How
will you make the right decision on what
could be a great investment for your
health and your family?
Of course you want to know the basics: indoor or outdoor, how many people will be
using the hot tub, how often it will be used, what features you want. But there are a
lot of different types of portable spas, and being new to hot tub ownership, there are
questions you may not think of that you need to know in order to make the smartest
choice and buy the best hot tub for you and your family.
Choosing the right hot tub for you and your family can be overwhelming and
confusing with the various products, brands, options and features that are available
to you. Our goal is to take the stress out of buying a hot tub. We have put together a
list of questions you should ask before you purchase your hot tub. We are hopeful
that this information will help you during your search.
Before We Start:
There are a few things that we suggest you do before you begin searching for your
hot tub, due to the fact that this is not your everyday type of purchase. There are
things to consider such as; budget, maintenance time required, lifestyle, placement
and environmental issues.
Let’s begin by bringing some clarification to common descriptions people use to talk
about hot tubs. There’s no need to worry about the terminology, all of the following
mean the same thing; portable spas, portable hot tub, spas, and hot tub spa.
Throughout this report the terms spa and hot tub will be used interchangeably.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
3 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
In terms of longevity and maintenance, you can save time and money when you
select the right hot tub for you from a trusted and experienced dealer. No matter
which hot tub you choose the relaxation and medical benefits you receive from hot
water therapy remain the same.
Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub
Here are just a few of the benefits of owning
your own spa – stress reduction, relieved
symptoms of arthritis, getting a better night’s
sleep, and less pain and soreness in your
muscles and joints.
Not only does a hot tub have many great health benefits, it is also a relaxing activity
to share with your family and friends. It’s wonderful to spend time with and
entertain those close to you, while soothing your senses in the warm water. A great
way to make your hot tub the focal point of your backyard is to surround it with a
beautiful landscape. It’s no secret that a spa can increase your lifestyle, what’s even
better is the value of your home will also increase.
Before You Begin Shopping
It is very important to consider the average number of people who will be using your
spa at the same time as well as how often your spa will be used. Are you going to
use it only a couple of days per week with only 1or 2 people, or will you be using it
daily with a large family or group of friends? In addition to these factors, budget,
size, maintenance, and how much space you will need for your spa, all need to be
considered. You will make your buying experience and research more fluid when
you have these choices made ahead of time.
Note: Less Expensive Does Not Mean You Are Getting a Better Deal
All hot tubs are built and designed very differently and will ultimately affect the
price and your future enjoyment. Issues that should be considered are; easy use,
safety, comfort, performance, reliability, and the most imperative when selecting
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
4 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
your new hot tub, total cost of ownership. A saying that holds true is, ‘you get what
you pay for’!
Now that you have been prepped, let’s begin….
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
5 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Question #1—How Long has the Dealer and Spa
Manufacturer Been in Business?
When you decide you want a personal spa, you might be tempted to go to any dealer
and pick out a tub that has an attractive price. But before you even begin looking at
the variety of hot tubs offered, make sure you are dealing with a reputable
manufacturer and a dealer that you can trust.
How can you be sure that you have found a reliable dealer and a good manufacturer?
Check out how long they have been in business.
Why does longevity matter?
Your investment in a portable hot tub will not end when you pay for the hot tub. As
the years go by, you will need parts, supplies and repairs. You want to have
a manufacturer who will still be producing parts when you need them. You
want to make sure that you have access to a dealer who will be able to
provide service to you, not one that might go out of business six months from now.
By choosing to deal with companies that have been in business a long time, you give
yourself the benefits that come with people who have the expertise, knowledge, and
experience to take care of any questions and problems you have.
After you've established that they are legitimate and reliable companies, investigate
the reputation of the manufacturer and dealer. Do they have
testimonials? Do you know anyone who has dealt with them? A
quick way to investigate their standing is to contact the Better
Business Bureau and discover if there are any complaints or
problems.
Lastly, find out whether the dealers or manufacturers have received third
party endorsements or awards. In addition to their longevity, independent
recognition of their work is one of the best ways to find out whether you
can count on them for a quality product with quality service.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
6 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Question #2—How Easy is the Spa to Maintain?
All manufacturers will have manuals that describe
what kind of cleaning should be done, but in
general they all require filter cleaning, as well as
sanitizing. Hot tubs should also be drained and
refilled every few months.
You should ask the dealer questions like; how
often will you have to replace parts? How often
must the hot tub be cleaned? Do you have any eco-friendly ways of sanitizing the
spa? How easy is it to change the spa filters? Is there anything special that needs to
be done to the hot tub during the winter months? A good dealer will be able to
answer these questions, but they may also be able to perform the routine maintenance
for you.
To help protect your hot tub year round, think about purchasing a locked safety cover
that complies with national safety standards as recommended by spa professionals.
Inquire whether a cover comes with your hot tub, as they are sometimes separate
costs. Safety covers are also recommended for those with small children as a safety
precaution.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
7 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Question #3—How Energy Efficient is the Spa -
Can You Get Estimated Monthly Costs?
Energy Efficiency
This is where it's important to get serious about what your needs are. Buying a hot
tub with a lot of jets and huge pumps might sound good, but end up costing you a
lot of money. Ask your dealer about the relationship between jets and pumps.
Insulation is an important factor in keeping costs down. Typically, the
more insulation a spa has, the lower the operating costs will be. Most
hot tubs use foam to insulate, and the best insulation is provided by
closed cell polyurethane layers—ask your dealer to show you what
these are. Hot tub covers are also quite helpful in insulation.
Check for third party confirmation (such as the California Energy Commission) of
any energy efficient claims made by the dealer and the manufacturer. Also look for
any independent awards given to the manufacturer for energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency is not only better for your wallet, it's also better for the
environment. A good manufacturer will offer a product that is both affordable and
energy-saving.
Cost
While the cost to operate a hot tub is much less than you think, (usually less than a
dollar a day), it is not easy to give an exact cost simply because it depends on a
variety of factors that change. These factors include: local cost of electricity; what
kind of hot tub you buy; how often it is used; and the water and ambient
temperatures.
Luckily, you can estimate monthly costs by asking the manufacturer for
an energy table that takes into account temperature, watts used, and
other factors. Don't forget to get a current charge rate from your local
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
8 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
electric company to get a good idea of how closely your costs will align with those
on the energy table.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
9 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Question #4—Do You Have to Use Harsh
Chemicals to Keep Your Spa Water Clean?
Happily, the chemicals needed to maintain a portable hot tub are no more harmful
than the chemicals you use to keep a typical pool fresh and clean. Most
manufacturers recommend a weekly treatment. Many dealers sell water sanitizing
chemicals designed especially for hot tubs and spas.
Many hot tubs now come with integrated sanitizing systems
designed to keep your water safe, clean and ready to use at a
moment’s notice. In addition, there are now salt water sanitizing systems that are
fast, safe and very easy to use. Ask your dealer about this option.
A few other things to keep in mind when considering water sanitation include:
Keep water at the proper pH - It is important to keep a balanced pH in place.
Not because it feels better, which it does, but because acidic water (low pH)
can destroy hot tub components over time, and alkaline water (high pH) will
cause build-up. Testing the pH of the water in the hot tub is recommended.
Contamination - The bubbling, hot water is one of the reasons you want to
buy a portable spa, but bacteria love warm, wet environments. A good
sanitizing system makes sure that the water in your hot tub will not become
a breeding ground for bacteria as well as keeping viruses and other
contaminants at bay.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
10 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Question #5—What Do I have to Do to Prepare
My Backyard for Installation?
One of the reasons hot tubs are such great investments is their ease of installation. If
you will be putting your portable spa in the backyard, there is not really much to do.
You need to be sure that wherever you plan to put the spa, it is sturdy enough to
support the weight of the spa (including water and people). You also need a level
space and access to the right electrical requirements.
Portable spa pads are becoming more popular, since they are low cost and provide
an adequate surface for a hot tub. Ask your dealer about this option if need be.
Poured concrete, rocks or gravel may be used as well,
with consideration of rainwater drainage and
compacting of the soil beneath. Care must be taken to
ensure a flat surface for the hot tub. You may need to
check with your local government to make sure you
comply with local codes. Many times your dealer will
be able to do this work for you or recommend someone
who specializes in this type of work.
Installing a deck can be a great decision, but a contractor must be contacted in order
to make sure the deck is constructed in a way that allows for the weight of a full tub
as well as the weight of those potentially inside the tub.
Be watchful of trees and power lines overhead, and make sure to check with your
local government to make sure you're in compliance with any city codes.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
11 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Question #6—What Type of “After the Sale”
Services Does the Dealer Provide?
At some point in the life of your hot tub, you will require some kind of service and
you'll want to get it in a timely manner. Before you buy a hot tub, ask about the
services that your dealer and manufacturer provide. Some things to consider are:
Service hours - if you have to wait 2 weeks to sit in your hot tub, that might
not be the best dealer for you.
Certification of service workers - if workers are certified, they are more
knowledgeable about the product. Better yet, this means the dealer is more
interested in hiring workers who have that level of knowledge. They take
service seriously, and that's the kind of dealer you want to work with.
Maintenance services - cleaning services on a weekly/monthly basis can be
a big help for a busy family.
Stock and supplies - if they don't have a part that you need, how quickly can
they contact the manufacturer to get
the right part for you?
Moving services - if you decide to
move and want to take your hot tub
with you, it will be in your best
interest that your dealer offers a local
moving service.
Trade-in option - can be helpful if you want to upgrade or your spa needs
change.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
12 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Question#7—Does the Dealer and Manufacturer
Stand Behind Their Product in Terms of a Good
Warranty?
Imagine this: You've bought your brand new hot tub. You've cleared out the space
in the yard, you've had it installed, and you can't wait to get home after work to jump
in and relax. But the hot tub doesn't turn on. You push the buttons, it doesn't turn
on. You read the manual, it doesn't turn on. What do you do?
Don't wait until you are frustrated about a problem with your spa to
ask questions about the warranty. A warranty is a sign from the
company that they intend to respect and help you with their product,
and it should be simple and easy to understand the terms.
This is a crucial, yet often an overlooked part of the buying process. After all the
money, preparation and time you've invested, you will want a simple process and a
simple solution to any problems that may come up.
If possible, compare warranties of different hot tubs you are considering. If you need
a service that falls under the service warranty, does your dealer have the expertise to
assist you in getting it?
By all means, call the manufacturer before you buy a hot tub and ask
questions about their warranty. This will provide the added benefit
of being able to see how quickly you can speak to someone who can
help you, before you actually need to.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
13 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Conclusion
You will get the information you need to make an informed decision when buying
your hot tub and make your experience less overwhelming by asking these 7
questions before making your purchase.
The right spa dealer will help you make the best choice for you and your family.
When you make an educated decision you will save time, money, and have peace of
mind. Come visit us today and find out how we can be of service to you!
About Us
Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities has been the leader of Hot Spring
Portable Spas since 1983. Our Company has always believed in offering the
highest quality products and service available.
In 1968, entrepreneur Paul Schaben started the company. As he traveled around
the area, he preferred to stay at hotels that offered a spa to help him soothe his
arthritic hip that he injured as a teenager on the farm. Loving the true health
benefits that warm water and jet action provided his body, Paul felt that if there
was ever a spa that could be delivered to your home and set up in less than a day
that would be awesome. For in the early days of spas everything had to be
assembled piece by piece, it took months to build and it was a very expensive
endeavour to undertake.
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
14 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
Just like you, Paul began his search for the right spa. He researched the market
thoroughly for several years before he ultimately chose the brand he felt
comfortable with. That brand was Hot Spring Portable Spas, and in 1983 Paul was
so impressed with his spa that he wanted everyone to enjoy the same health
benefits he was enjoying and became a dealer for Hot Spring Portable Spas.
Paul always said nothing gave him greater satisfaction than to see the smile on the
face of his customers, and the stories they would share with him on how their Hot
Spring Spa improved their lifestyles.
Today, with over 12,000 Hot Spring Spa customers, throughout Iowa and
Minnesota we truly are the Midwest’s Premier, Full Service Company that
specializes in spas and proud to name our stores after the brand we offer.
We staff our own service and delivery teams and provide Certified Pre-owned Spas
as well as great service programs for our customers. We are family owned and
operated with Paul’s family overseeing day to day operations. Our goal is to make
every customers experience in the showroom and at their home the most enjoyable,
after all, we all want to feel good!
We are looking forward to the opportunity to make you a part of the Hot Spring Spas
of Iowa and Minnesota family with the hundreds of other satisfied customers.
Sincerely,
Thad Schaben
HotSpring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota
651-731-9745
http://HotSpringGreen.com
Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
15 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com
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Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!
16 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com