Shopping for a hot tub or spa

You should know that all spas are not created equal, and that to ensure a great experience, you need to do your homework. Here are the main things to look for when shopping for a spa. Learn about the spa's specific features, ease of use and maintenance. When the spa is not in use, does the water always remain hot and clean? Do the jets and jet systems allow you to customize your hydro massage experience? How loud are the jets and pump? Does the spa offer a balanced filtration system to ensure clean, clear water? Are the filters easily accessible ? Is the heating and filtration system fully automatic? Inquire about the heater-typically the most vulnerable component of any spa. Make sure corrosion will not occur. Are the controls user-friendly, easy to operate and adjust? Are there optional features to make spa ownership easier? What are the electrical specifications of the spa? How is the seating configured? Are you able to move about easily? Learn how the spa was constructed and its energy efficiency. The components should be fully tested and backed by the manufacturer's warranty. Make sure the spa is totally insulated, not just fully-foamed. Ask how to estimate your monthly operation costs. (Beware of some spas which can cost a lot more per month to operate). Ask for a copy of the warranty and read it thoroughly. Beware of the dealer who is reluctant to provide a copy. What spa parts are covered under warranty and for how long? Make sure the heater, surface/structure, components, tile and skirt are included. How does the manufacturer's warranty compare with other brands? Make sure there are no undesirable limitations or exclusions. Obtain information on the manufacturer and the dealer to ensure you will receive quality service both during and after your spa purchase. How long has the manufacturer been in business? How long has the dealer been in business? Inquire about their service policy. Call the Better Business Bureau, the local Consumer Affairs Office and/or the local Chamber of Commerce to obtain any additional information about the dealer. If available, ask for customer references.

Shopping for a hot tub or spa

Francis Bacon, an early Jacuzzi enthusiast, once said that “Knowledge is power.” That's especially true if you have never shopped for a Jacuzzi before. The best way to acquire knowledge in this case is to ask questions. So here are a few that you should get the answers to before you invest your hard-earned money:

• What are the spa's specific features?


• How easy is it to use, and maintain?


• Does the water always remain hot and when the spa is not in use?


• Can you adjust the jets and jet systems?


• Are the jets and pumps loud?


• Is the filtration system balanced to ensure clean, clear water?


• Can you access the filters easily?


• Is the heating and filtration system completely automatic?


• What about the heater? Will it corrode? If the answer is yes, say no to that spa.


• Are the controls easy to use?


• What optional features make owning the spa easier?


• What are the electrical specs?


• Is the seating configured to your liking?


• Can you move around comfortably?


• How was the spa constructed?


• What is its energy efficiency rating?


• Have the spa components been fully tested?


• Are they backed by the manufacturer's warranty?


• Is the unit 100% insulated, or only fully-foamed?


• How much will it cost to run this spa each month? (Roughly speaking).


• Which parts are covered under warranty and for how long?


• Are the heater, surface/structure, components, tile and skirt are included? (This is key.)


• Does the manufacturer's warranty compare well with other brands?


• Are there any undesirable limitations or exclusions?

Additional tips:

• Ask for a copy of the warranty and read it carefully. If a dealer doesn't want to do this, take your business elsewhere.


• Get all the information you can about the spa maker and the dealer. Find out how long they have been in business and ask about their service policy. Ask for references. If you need more information, contact local agencies like the Better Business Bureau, Council on Consumer Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce.