Easy Access
Your hot tub purchase isn’t for just one season, so considerations for maintenance and repair should be included in your purchase. Look for easy access to equipment. Years ago, it was typical to “jam” a spa cabinet with foam, but like everything else mechanical, heat buildup is an issue, so look for insulation where its needed – like surrounding plumbing lines, but make sure there is air space for equipment and that its easy to access. No matter where you live, a better insulated hot tub will save you money. Quality hot tub insulation should not be an option or an upgrade; it should be a standard feature.
Standard Parts
Believe it or not, Exclusive is bad in the hot tub industry. What it’s really saying is that you can’t get parts from any other supplier. There are several companies that make readily available high quality parts. All manufacturers use third parties for parts; however, if purchased in volumes, the manufacturer can request custom variations to ensure repair parts are purchased from them. One company even positioned the motor frame at an angle, so that you can’t buy a standard part, so you are held up for their price.
Avoid “Blowers” and “Air Only Jets”
Although popular years ago, most good manufacturers have abandoned powered air blowers and “air-only” jets. Air blower orifices can be sources of dangerous airborne mold and bacteria, since they can't be effectively sanitized by the treated spa water. Blowers quickly cool down the hot tub water, wasting large amounts of reheating energy. They are also loud, sounding like a vacuum cleaner. Air only jets make bubbles, but they don’t really provide true massaging hydrotherapy. Modern spas have air-induction jets which mix air with water, so separate blowers are unnecessary. The addition of air can be turned on and off. When the air is on, this creates a more powerful massaging action from the jets.
Warranty
Although, the length of a warranty on the hot tub should not be the primary reason for buying, warranties are hidden "insurance policies." It is built into the price of the hot tub. Typically, the least expensive hot tubs have a one year parts and as little as a 90 day labor warranty. This is for one reason; it helps to make them affordable. Even a mid-priced hot tub should offer you a longer warranty on parts and labor. Watch for hidden costs such as deductibles, pro-rating and service call trip charges.
Ergonomics
At some point you may want to sit up higher and cool down, especially in summer. Look for a higher seat, which typically doubles as a step, and possibly a flat surface on the upper edge of the spa. These areas can allow a person to cool off, while still staying in the conversation. Those rounded edge shells are a poor seat for those that are looking to relax and cool down. Also drink holders can be useful to help minimize spills in your hot tub.
Phony Awards
As we currently understand it, there are NO valid awards given to any hot tub manufacturer. The so-called awards are nothing more than paid advertising. Consumer's Digest logo used on brochures, NSPI awards, and “Star Ratings” from Pool and Spa are offered to advertisers who spend enough money with these organizations. Typically they never even look at the product.
The consumer will be better served ensuring the hot tub they purchase is approved for sale in their country by an agency such as ETL, TUV, or UL. These ratings means the entire hot tub has passed the various tests, from shell strength to electrical wiring. This is commonly not the case on hot tubs imported from China.
There are many high quality hot tub manufacturers in the USA. Do your best to compare the list of features you will receive for the price you will pay. And check the reputation of the company you are purchasing from. There are better retail stores and better online stores. You will typically get your best deal from a reputable online hot tub dealer.
