{"id":11068,"date":"2022-04-02T16:59:40","date_gmt":"2022-04-02T15:59:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessfinancenews.com\/?p=11068"},"modified":"2022-04-02T17:07:03","modified_gmt":"2022-04-02T16:07:03","slug":"what-to-look-for-in-a-hot-tub","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessfinancenews.com\/hot-tub\/what-to-look-for-in-a-hot-tub\/","title":{"rendered":"what to look for in a hot tub"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Buying your first hot tub can be nerve-wracking. It\u2019s also easy to get burned by an eager hot tub salesperson. So here are the 23 crucial things to know before buying your first hot tub.<\/p>\n
Additionally, while the tips below are based on my hot-tub buying experience, I also polled my audience for their tips, regrets, and frustrations and got an overwhelming response.<\/p>\n
Here are those poll results:<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019re getting into all of the main things you need to know in this article.<\/p>\n But the biggies break down into a few simple categories:<\/strong><\/p>\n You should not walk into a hot tub showroom until you at least have a basic understanding of both the questions and the answers to those things.<\/p>\n Luckily, we\u2019re diving into all of the details on each of those questions, as well as the natural follow-up questions here.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve owned 4 hot tubs over the past 15 years and I\u2019ve learned a lot along the way. That knowledge has mostly been from making mistakes.<\/p>\n So check out all of the questions and answers below to hopefully avoid making some of those same mistakes.<\/p>\n Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the best-known brands!<\/p>\n I have arranged with BuyerZone.com to provide free quotes from all the best hot tub manufacturers \u2013 with no obligation to buy. Simply complete BuyerZone\u2019s request form below.<\/p>\n <\/img><\/p>\n There are a few different types of hot tubs, such as:<\/p>\n But then within those categories, especially with so-called portable ones, there are several different price levels.<\/p>\n So the budget should be your first consideration, along with whether or not you plan to live in your current home for a while.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re currently renting, then absolutely, no question, I would get an inflatable hot tub. But that\u2019s also true if you tend to move a lot.<\/p>\n While they are called portable, portable hot tubs aren\u2019t easy to move, and it\u2019s not just a question of moving it to a new home. You also have to think about the foundation you set it on and how you\u2019ll connect it electrically.<\/p>\n Lots of disposable income and living in your forever home? Simple. Get an in-ground hot tub.<\/p>\n Most of us, however, will likely get a portable hot tub. So just expect to see pricing tiers similar to this:<\/strong><\/p>\n Absolutely! In fact the 3rd of the 4 hot tubs I\u2019ve owned, I bought used and fixed up.<\/p>\n I did save some money that way, but I also ran into some headaches I hadn\u2019t anticipated. Before I had this website, I wrote an article detailing the refurbishment process of that hot tub.<\/p>\n So take a look at that article here<\/strong> on my original website Middle Class Dad.<\/p>\n The nutshell version, however, is (unless you\u2019re buying a plug-in hot tub) you should expect to:<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a shot of my previous hot tub (wood siding temporarily off), which I bought for $150 and fixed up.<\/p>\n <\/img><\/p>\n No! A concrete slab is probably the most ideal surface for a hot tub to sit on. But it\u2019s not the only option. I\u2019ll get into details on the other options in the next section.<\/p>\n A concrete slab, however, is ideal because:<\/strong><\/p>\n For concrete, do make sure you wait at least 30 days after pouring the concrete before setting a hot tub on it.<\/p>\n I get into greater detail on concrete and alternative surfaces (including some inexpensive DIY options) in this recent article<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Just click that link to read it on my site.<\/p>\n Well, I talked a lot about concrete in the section above.<\/p>\n But of all the hot tubs I\u2019ve owned, none have sat on concrete. The hot tub at my last house I just set on pavers as you see here.<\/img><\/p>\n You know. The ones at Home Depot that are cheap and usually gray and red. CLICK HERE<\/strong> to see them on the Home Depot website.<\/p>\n You can also buy them online and then pick them up at your convenience at the location nearest you.<\/p>\n But hot tubs also go great on wooden decks.<\/strong><\/p>\n That\u2019s how 3 of the 4 hot tubs I\u2019ve owned have been. You just have to make sure your deck can take the weight. If it\u2019s less than 2 feet off the ground, it\u2019s probably fine.<\/p>\n But whether it is or not, check out this recent article<\/strong> where I walk you through how to check your deck. And I show you exactly how to reinforce yours if needed.<\/p>\n Just click that link to read it on my site.<\/p>\n Better is subjective. Most of the hot tubs in the world are not salt water.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve owned 4 and never once had a salt water hot tub. In fact, I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever even been in one. That being said, they are growing in popularity. Why?<\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth pointing out that the water in a salt water hot tub doesn\u2019t taste like the ocean.<\/p>\n You can buy a salt water hot tub (which tends to be more expensive). But you can also retrofit any hot tub to be a salt water tub fairly easily with a kit you can get on Amazon.<\/p>\n Check out this recent article<\/strong> to see that kit and to learn more about the pros and cons of salt water hot tubs.<\/p>\n Who else is enjoying their @hotspring_spas by Regina today? Are you taking some personal time to yourself to recharge? #wellness #reginapoolsandspas #hotspringspas #hottub pic.twitter.com\/BX3uFgHAfr<\/p>\n \u2014 Regina Pools & Spas (@ReginaPools) April 28, 2020<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This one is pretty subjective.<\/p>\n The best-known brands include Jacuzzi & Sundance (technically the same company), Master Spas, HotSpring Spas, just to name a few. If money is no object, I\u2019d probably get one from HotSpring Spas.<\/p>\n They are super quiet and you have their CoolZone option<\/strong> which allows you to not just lower the temp but actually have it be cool in the summer (or any temp you like). They also have an A+ rating with the BBB.<\/p>\n However, if you\u2019re on a budget and can\u2019t afford to spend $15,000 on a hot tub, I would consider one from Essential Hot Tubs.<\/p>\n Essential Hot Tubs are available from Amazon with free delivery. CLICK HERE<\/strong> to see my favorite hot tub they have on Amazon. It is currently under $2,500 and seats 7 people!<\/p>\n It\u2019s the kind you just plug into a regular outlet. But you also have the option to hardwire it to a 220\/240 volt circuit which helps on your electric bill.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also a great way to get something nicer than an inflatable hot tub without spending a small fortune!<\/p>\n This one is a no-brainer.<\/p>\n Just like with cars, the last few months of the year are the best time to buy a hot tub from a showroom. Why?<\/p>\n How much can you save?\u00a0 Well, that depends on a few factors. Luckily, I detail all of that in a recent article<\/strong> that walks you through the process.<\/p>\n Just click that link to read it on my site.<\/p>\n The average customer pays about $7,000 for a hot tub that fits 4-8 people.<\/p>\n But some, like the one on Amazon<\/strong> I mention in greater detail below, is well under $3,000 and can just be plugged into a wall outlet.<\/p>\n But here is the general range of prices depending on which level of quality and features you want.<\/strong><\/p>\n The best-known brands include Jacuzzi, Sundance, Master Spas, HotSpring Spas, just to name a few.<\/p>\n My current hot tub, which was here when we bought the house, is by Master Spas.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not 100% sure of how old it is. But I\u2019d bet it\u2019s 8-10 years old. It\u2019s still in fantastic shape!<\/strong> The only repair I\u2019ve had to do is replacing some worn rubber gaskets in the PVC pipes on either side of the heater (a $4.00 part).<\/p>\n The head pillows probably need to be replaced too. But it works great and looks great too. But I think you\u2019d be just fine going with any of the brands I listed above.<\/p>\n Nothing. Jacuzzi is simply a brand of hot tub. Some would also say they are the originators of the portable hot tub.<\/p>\n But unlike a lot of hot tub companies, they also make bathtubs and other jetted tubs.<\/p>\n But Jacuzzi, the last name of the brothers that started the company, is simply a well-known brand of hot tub.<\/p>\n He\u2019s got the sleazy car salesman look down. \u2014 Freeform (@FreeformTV) March 2, 2018<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The short answer is yes. Hot tub dealers are a lot like car dealers (including some that are occasionally a little slimy).<\/p>\n Hot tubs can be marked up as much as 100%.<\/strong><\/p>\n So just know that walking into a showroom. You have a LOT of options when it comes to hot tubs, and if 1 dealer won\u2019t budge, another one probably will. Or at least they should throw in a few freebies.<\/p>\n Remember too, you don\u2019t just need the hot tub. You also need:<\/strong><\/p>\n If they won\u2019t budge on price, at least get them to provide most of the above for free or at a substantially reduced price.<\/p>\n Check out all the factors that make hot tubs so expensive, AND what you can do to reduce some of those factors in my recent article<\/strong>.<\/p>\n After all. In most cases, you\u2019re going to be spending several thousands of dollars. So it pays to save a little bit where you can!<\/p>\n Please tag the middle class fancy account. I\u2019d like to tell them about our hot tub from costco. pic.twitter.com\/yAcPeLf5rf<\/p>\n \u2014 \ud835\udc09\ud835\udc0f (@johnthenpaul) August 9, 2019<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/br> The good news is that most rate between 3 and 4.5 stars. The worst-rated one currently on their website is one from OC Hot Tubs at 2 stars. However, that company does have others on the Costco site as high as 4-stars.<\/p>\n But overall, the other brands on the Costco site have better reviews and a lot more of them.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting, however, that none of the brands they sell have a page listed with the Better Business Bureau<\/strong>. That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean they are bad or low-quality. But in this current day and age, most businesses do have a BBB rating.<\/p>\n So it\u2019s curious. It\u2019s also worth noting that on the listings I looked at, the delivery time was 6 to 8 weeks.<\/p>\n Not really is the short answer.<\/p>\n Here is a breakdown of the typical expenses in a year:<\/p>\n So expect to spend a few hundred dollars a year in most cases, not counting electricity. I\u2019ll get into electricity costs below.<\/p>\n https:\/\/t.co\/7Gwm9XdmXy<\/p>\n \u2014 Middle Class Dad (@middleclassdad1) June 1, 2020<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Generally speaking, most hot tub owners see their electric bill go up $20-$30 per month.<\/p>\n Occasionally it can be as high as $50\/month more. Why such a large range? That depends on a few factors such as:<\/p>\n Yes is the short answer. In fact, one of my favorite brands of hot tub that you can buy on Amazon make 110v hot tubs that can just plug into a wall outlet.<\/p>\n They have fantastic reviews and most of their models can also later be upgraded to 220v (more energy efficient) later if you wish.<\/p>\n Essential Hot Tubs is the brand I like. CLICK HERE<\/strong> to see my favorite 110v hot tub they have on Amazon. It comes with free shipping and is currently just over $3,000 and seats 6 people!<\/p>\n It\u2019s a great way to get something nicer than an inflatable hot tub without spending a small fortune!<\/p>\n https:\/\/t.co\/NT2CSFSGOw<\/p>\n \u2014 Middle Class Dad (@middleclassdad1) June 1, 2020<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cRegular outlet\u201d may not be the same at your house as it is at mine. But probably yes; you can typically just plug your 110v\/120v hot tub into a standard outlet.<\/p>\n Here are the things to check though:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n What They Wish They Knew Before Buying<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n Percentage of votes<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wish <\/b><\/strong>they had bought one sooner<\/td>\n 58%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Money & time <\/b><\/strong>spent on chemicals<\/td>\n 19%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n The total expense <\/b><\/strong>of purchase & installation<\/td>\n 12%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n How much it cost <\/b><\/strong>in beer & cigars<\/td>\n 5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Regret <\/b><\/strong>over not better researching what brand to buy<\/td>\n 5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wish <\/b><\/strong>they had gone to a better dealer<\/td>\n 2%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n 1. What you need to know before buying a hot tub?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Looking to get a quote on a new hot tub?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. What kind of hot tub should I get?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n Type of Hot tub<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n Starting Price Range<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n Top of Price Range<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entry Level<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n $2,000.<\/td>\n $4,000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Mid Level<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n $5,000.<\/td>\n $8.000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n High End<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n $9,000.<\/td>\n $12,000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Luxury<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n $13,000<\/td>\n $18,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n 3. Is it OK to buy a used hot tub?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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4. Do you need a concrete slab for a hot tub?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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5. What does a hot tub need to sit on?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6. Are salt water hot tubs better?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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7. What is the best hot tub for the money?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
8. What is the best time of year to buy a hot tub?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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9. What is a good price for a hot tub?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n Type of Hot tub<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n Starting Price Range<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n Top of Price Range<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entry Level<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n $2,000.<\/td>\n $4,000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Mid Level<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n $5,000.<\/td>\n $8.000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n High End<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n $9,000.<\/td>\n $12,000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Luxury<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n $13,000<\/td>\n $18,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n 10. What is the most reliable hot tub brand?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
11. What is the difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nTune in now for #Matilda, EST\/CST. pic.twitter.com\/VMCA5XU9kf<\/p>\n12. Can you negotiate hot tub prices?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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13. Are Costco hot tubs any good?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nCostco sells a few different and lesser-known brands of hot tubs. Those primary brand names i9nclude:<\/p>\n\n
14. Are hot tubs expensive to maintain?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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15. How much does your electric bill go up with a hot tub?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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16. Are 110 hot tubs any good?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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17. Can you plug a hot tub into a regular outlet?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n