Looking to add a hot tub to your yard but don’t know where to start? It’s a big investment, so you’ll want to find the very best model for your needs. This hot tub buyer's guide will help demystify the process.
Many considerations go into buying a hot tub. For example, how many people you are catering to? How you plan to use your tub? What is your garden style, what colours do you want in a hot tub? What is the level of care you want to dedicate to the tub? Even budget can be a huge criteria to factor in. All the queries should be answered to ensure your chosen tub fulfils all your expectations, and complements your backyard.
Read on to learn how to confidently choose a brand new hot tub fit for your lifestyle and garden that your family will be able to enjoy now and for years to come.
1. GET THE PROPER SIZE HOT TUB
When choosing a hot tub in the UK, it is important to consider the size of your garden and the number of people who will be using it. Hot tubs come in a variety of sizes, and in the UK our garden space is precious!
Find your available space. Measure the area where you plan to install the hot tub and be sure there is enough space not only for the tub itself but also for access, maintenance, and any additional features you may want to add (such as steps, a gazebo, or decking).
You need a solid flat surface for the hot tub to sit on, with ideally at least a meter to get in and out of the tub and access to the front panel for maintenance. We recommend concrete pads be poured to correct any soft or uneven ground issues.
Hydropool hot tubs can accommodate from 2 to 9 people, but if you plan on hosting parties, a hot tub for two may be a bit on the small size. Pay attention to seating styles as well, a hot tub with a lounger is less party friendly than an open all-access seating style. A smaller hot tub with lounger would be optimal for hydrotherapy, providing an intimate space promoting relaxation.
2. CONSIDER HYDROTHERAPY OPTIONS
Speaking of hydrotherapy, there are features you should focus on when buying for health benefits. Look for adjustable jets that target specific body areas, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. Different jet types provide varying massage experiences, so choosing a hot tub with a diverse range of jets is essential. You will know jets are different by the look of them, some hot tubs only have two different jet types. Hydropool Hot Tubs boast at least 8 different types of jets in each tub with up to 70 total jets in the higher end tubs.
Take a look at seating too. Ergonomic seating with built-in therapy zones can enhance therapeutic benefits. Hydropool has hot tubs that offer lounge seats or therapy seats that contour to your body for maximum comfort and effectiveness. The Hydropool Self-Cleaning Range of hot tubs have Customised Wellness Program at the touch of a button. You can activate the program that suits your needs best. These programs take the guesswork out of using Zone Therapy and give you more time to relax and heal.
3. BOOST LUXURY WITH DESIGN AND FEATURES
DESIGN
It’s hard to resist the idea of soaking in a hot tub at the end of a stressful day but investing in a hot tub might be prompted by more than simply a desire to relax. A hot tub can be sold with a house and increases property value. It’s a good idea to think about where the hot tub will be placed and how: above ground, on a deck, in-ground.
Above ground hot tubs are most common, and some hot tubs look modern and blend into the garden design with custom cabinet colours and shell colours. Hydropool has a wide variety of colours to suit all design styles. You can create a bar surround with built in steps, or simply use a pre-bought step. Elevate the look of your tub with a gazebo, pergola, or place it inside a garden room.
Decked in hot tubs look and feel luxurious, but remember they still need access space and a suitable base.
In-ground hot tubs can also prove most accessible. The low profile makes them easier to enter and exit. The up front cost is higher, as you must excavate and prepare an adequate site. Challenges can arise with accessibility for maintenance and repair. But overall, in-ground hot tubs can have the most luxurious look.
FEATURES
Hot tubs can have additional features that could maximise enjoyment. As well as hydrotherapy jets, you might like a model with internal or external lighting or a combination of the two. You might also want additional sanitisers, waterfalls, or scent therapy options.
These features often come at an additional cost, but it’s worth thinking about what you might enjoy that suits your budget.
4. BEWARE OF HOT TUB SALES GIMMICKS
We at Hydropool North West try to cut through to the root of the information and avoid lacing pitches with nonsensical “buzzwords” and double-speak that can be confusing. As a family-owned business we think honesty is key!
Let’s start with “chemical-free” systems. No such thing exists. Every hot tub, pool, and even drinking water requires sanitiser as a part of its upkeep and needs adjustments to both pH and alkalinity to be safe. Salt systems produce chemicals to sanitise, whether it be chlorine or sodium bromide. Salt systems have cells that generate chlorine or bromine from the salt. Salt systems can be more maintenance and most cost, for little to no difference in water quality compared to traditional chemical methods. Many sanitisers on the market are very mild and virtually unnoticeable. So, you’re in luck if you’re trying to stay away from a traditional sanitiser like chlorine. Bromine is a great alternative. But when it comes down to it, they are both chemicals.
While water chemistry is not an arduous process, no spa can be completely maintenance free. Some systems on the market make taking care of the spa much easier, and low maintenance. Despite what some companies may say, filtration systems are important to the overall health of your spa water. We wouldn’t trust a tub that doesn’t have a filtration cartridge as part of their system. And anything that has additional filtration such as side suction or floor plate suctions (like our Self-Cleaning Models) we would trust more!
Ozonators are commonplace in today’s hot tub market. Ozonators produce an enriched form of oxygen (O3) that is injected into the water supply, which kills organic matter (bacteria, algae, etc), reducing your overall need for sanitising chemicals by about 20%. These come included on some hot tubs and as an upgrade on others, but they are industry standard and shouldn’t be considered in comparisons. No one will be better than another, although all are great for the health of a hot tub. Hydropool uses an ozonator in conjunction with UV purification to form our Purewater Cleaning System.
5. WEIGH ONE-OFF VS ONGOING HOT TUB COSTS
One thing not to ignore is the initial purchase price and the ongoing costs of a hot tub. A more expensive hot tub initially could have better insulation, more efficient pumps, and a better heating system, leading to lower running costs in the long run. These changes will prolong the lifespan of the hot tub and potentially lower maintenance costs. Be wary of full foam hot tubs, or polypropylene shells as the maintenance costs can be exorbitant if something fails.
Take the manufacturing location into account. Cold climates, such as Canada, tend to make more energy efficient tubs, since they are engineered specifically for the freezing climate. Chinese manufactured hot tubs are low cost and encounter many after-sales issues.
Think about warranty, as well. A comprehensive warranty can help to offset the cost of repairs in the future. A warranty can cover the cost of repairs if something breaks down. This can save you money in the long run.
Keeping your hot tub clean and properly chemically balanced is essential in the longevity of your tub. Hydropool’s Self-Cleaning option makes this a breeze. Some companies offer chemical stipends in their servicing packages. If you are maintaining your tub on your own, think about chemical costs.
OUR PICKS FOR EVERY OCCASION
Best Hot Tub for Parties
Self-Cleaning 970 Impress your Guests with a whopping 9 Seats and 70 Jets
Best Hot Tub for Couples
Serenity 4300 Room for Up to 3 Adults, but perfect for lounging and cuddling up.
Best Hot Tub for Large Families
Self-Cleaning 670 Seats 5 with 1 Lounger, Room for the Whole Family, plus space to relax and stretch out.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The last consideration I'll briefly mention is privacy and sound. Hydropool hot tubs are known for being very quiet. The average noise level of a Hydropool hot tub is around 40 decibels, which is about as loud as a whisper. This is due to a number of factors, including the use of high-efficiency pumps, sound insulation, and vibration-dampening materials. As a result of these factors, Hydropool hot tubs are a great option for people who are looking for a quiet and relaxing spa experience. They are also a good choice for people who live in close proximity to others, as they are unlikely to disturb their neighbours. To add to your privacy, you can install a gazebo or pergola. That way no one will be bothered by your new addition to the backyard!
We hope this Hot Tub Buyer's guide with points helps you with buying a new hot tub!
