PUT A HOT TUB OR SPA IN YOUR BACK YARD
Information About Hot Tubs and Spas For Pain Relief, Relaxation, and Entertainment
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Planning For Your Spa
Aside from checking on hot tub prices, one of the first things you'll want to consider is where you will place your hot tub. You'll probably want to place it in a convenient, accessible location. Is privacy from your neighbors important? Do you have a secluded or scenic area where you'd like to place the hot tub? How is the landscaping, is the ground even? Will you place it on your patio or deck where the foundation is already set, and convenient to your home for changing, getting drinks or food? What size will you want? Will your spa or hot tub be used primarily by family and close friends, or for casual entertaining for many?
Answers To Some of Your Questions
We asked a lot of questions in the previous paragraph. Here's where we answer them, or at least give you some ideas on where to find your answers.
First, most people find it convenient to locate their hot tub on the patio or deck, at least close enough to the house to be accessible for changing clothes, getting food or drinks, etc. Unless you have a huge yard or a compelling reason to place your hot tub elsewhere, our recommendation is to have it close to the house. Wherever you place it, keep in mind that you will need easy access to a hose and to electricity. If you are not putting it on a patio or deck, you will need a good foundation for it to sit on. You can get more information from your dealer or online site of choice when it comes to preparing its home in your yard.
The size of your hot tub or spa will depend largely on your budget and how many people you expect to have in it at one time. Prices range from $2,000 to $10,000, with the average being about $4,000. Even if you think you'll only want to use it for your immediate family, or just to relieve your aches and pains, consider the fact that you may change your plans later on, and plan accordingly. While you can get a two-person hot tub, perhaps you should consider at least a four-person one. You may find yourself enjoying it so much that you'll want to share it with your friends.
Shop By Brands, Features, Capacity, Prices
As you begin shopping for your hot tub, you'll find many online sources for information about what's available, the features you might be interested in, hot tub capacities and pricing.
You're probably familiar with the name Jacuzzi. They are considered one of the leading manufacturers of spas and hot tubs. The name "Jacuzzi" means "hot tub" to many people. They built the first hot tub for families in 1970. Cal Spas is another well-known manufacturer of hot tubs and spas. They offer eleven spa series and many (their web site says 4 million) built to order configurations. Hot Spring Spas celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2007. Their web site offers tips on selecting the right spa, where to place it, and other information. For more information on these and other manufacturers, you can visit America's Top Hot Tubs and Spas web site--an online magazine
Most hot tub manufacturers offer you the opportunity to design your own hot tub or spa. They will walk you through the features that are available, such as jets and jet configurations, seating configurations, color, shape and design. You decide on how large a hot tub you want, based on what you'll use it for (family, friends, etc.), then you can begin configuring your seating arrangements and jet placements. Most brands also include padded seating, which you'll also want to consider. Along with the seating and jets, you can order optional accessories to go with your hot tub. You can get cabinets and counters to set your drinks and snacks on, as well as stereo and TV systems that are waterproof and made for hot tubs. Most hot tubs also come with a cover for use when no one is using it.
When it comes to prices, as mentioned earlier, price ranges from about $2,000 to $10,000. You can get a great hot tub for right around $4,000 to $5,000. You don't want to be too cheap when it comes to your hot tub, or you may come to regret it in the long run. Such things as a quieter pump or adding an automated sanitation system might be worth the extra money.
Final Thoughts
We recommend doing your homework before the final purchase. There are many online web sites to help you, including manufacturer and dealer sites. Talk to your friends who have hot tubs or spas, and if at all possible, try one out before buying. Some dealers have filled hot tubs at their store so that you can try it out. Read all you can so that you are knowledgeable about what's available, seating arrangements and jet placement, etc. When you plan in advance and know what you want and can afford, you can't help but make the best choice.