If you’re thinking about buying a hot tub you may be overwhelmed. The thought of buying a hot tub is exciting, but the unanswered questions you may have can be stressful. These top tips for buying a hot tub will help ease your stress.

How do you know what to choose? Does it matter what material it is made from? Are hydrotherapy jets worth the extra cost involved? Is the maintenance of owning a hot tub difficult? What color should you choose? It may feel as complicated as buying a new car, but rest assured it is not. Here are some tips for buying a hot tub to make it easier as you start the process.

Selecting Size

You will need to first decide on the size of the hot tub that will best fit your needs. Look at the location of where you plan to put it. How many people do you plan to accommodate? Do you plan to keep it a cozy two-person maximum or are you thinking the more the merrier? Once you have decided on the size that you’re wanting, move onto determining your price.

Determining Cost

When it comes to the price, there are hot tubs that start at $1000 and those that sell for $10,000 and everything in between! It’s best to figure out a budget so you will know what you can afford. Don’t bypass this step and find yourself caught up in what you think you can afford and what you really can. If you are not able to pay for it without financing it, it may be too high of an expense and you should look at a lower-cost model. Be realistic about the cost involved in your purchase because it would be much worse to lose the hot tub once you have had it for a while than never having had it in the first place. For more information on determining installation costs in your area see HomeAdvisor for an estimate.

Material Options

Which material should you choose? Hot tubs are usually made from either fiberglass reinforced plastic or wood. If you prefer the traditional look of wood, these are usually made from hardwoods such as Redwood, Cedar, or Teak which all handle the effects of water very well. Plastic tubs are less likely to leak than the wooden option, have more seating choices and are usually more comfortable.

Maintenance

Today’s hot tubs are being constructed more efficiently than in the past and the upkeep required is nothing like it was 30 years ago. You will have to add chemicals, wash your filters weekly (and replace them every 3 months), and shock treatments will need to be added to keep your water clear. See our previous blog, Do You Know What It Takes to Maintain Your Hot tub? for additional maintenance information.

Purchasing a hot tub can seem stressful but, in the end, the enjoyment and benefits of your purchase will far outweigh any concerns you have now. Educate yourself to be prepared BEFORE going into a dealership and stand firm on your budget will have created. Don’t get talked into a purchase you can’t afford.