Although hydrotherapy tubs date back to the 1950s, they’re still a popular option for many people. In addition to being an excellent way to entertain guests, you can enjoy numerous health benefits from a hot tub.
The only problem is choosing the right one from the thousands of types of hot tubs on the market. The quality and price can vary widely, so it’s important to know what to look for in a hot tub and what’s available.
Keep reading to learn some useful tips that will teach you how to choose a hot tub perfect for you.
How Big Is Your Budget?
For many people who are shopping for hot tubs, the budget plays a crucial role. First, you want to settle on a reasonable budget for your tub. But to do that, you need to have a broad idea of how much or how little you can get away with spending.
A good way to go about this is to avoid sales floors at first. Start looking at prices online. Shopping online will let you compare prices more effectively and start learning about what qualities to look for and how much you can expect to pay for each.
Types of seating, size, hydrotherapy features, and many other factors influence the price significantly. Once you have a basic understanding of typical price ranges, you can start browsing showrooms to get an idea of the real size of the tub you might want.
What Size Are You Looking For?
The size of the hot tub that you need is directly tied to how many people are regularly going to use it. There are hot tubs that can accommodate from anywhere between two and ten people. However, there’s no reason to invest in a hot tub for ten people if it only sees use from you and your partner.
You’ll quickly learn that size is not closely tied to features. That is to say, as the hot tubs get bigger, they don’t typically gain too many features. Conversely, you won’t miss out on much by choosing a smaller one that accommodates fewer people.
If you frequently entertain guests, you should probably opt for a bigger one. Ultimately, a hot tub isn’t practical if it can’t fit everyone.
What Features Do You Need?
Obviously, a hot tub is much more than a small pool. You expect it to have certain comforts, but those comforts come at a price.
If you’re interested in hydrotherapy, it’s important to note that more doesn’t equal better. A hot tube with a comical amount of jets won’t make a big difference for hydrotherapy, but it will require much more energy to power them.
Similarly, don’t be fooled by spas that boast huge horsepower ratings on their pumps, or a large number of pumps. The ideal spa will have a pump to the jet ratio that’s effective and efficient.
The type of seating is another element you need to consider. Lounge seats are the most comfortable, but they take up the space of two bench seats. Here too, you should consider how many people will use the tub and what your preferences are in terms of hydrotherapy.
Blowers create the bubbling effect you’ve seen in many hot tubs. They’re basically a small motor that pushes air into the water.
While many people like the bubbles, the air they push is often cold and lowers the temperature of the tub.
What Material Is Right For You?
You have a choice between acrylic hot tubs, resin unicast tubs, and vinyl blow-up tubs.
Acrylic tubs are probably the most attractive. They’re durable, and they come in a large number of shapes and sizes. Typically, they’re supported by an outside frame that contains all the ancillary equipment.
If hydrotherapy is your primary concern, an acrylic tub will probably be the best option since it has the most extensive variety of jet options.
Resin cast tubs are incredibly long-lasting. The shell and cabinet come in one piece, and they’re similar to acrylic shells. They’re a bit more affordable but tend to have fewer water jets.
Lastly, you can opt for a vinyl hot tub. They’re great if you want a hot tub you can move around. While a portable hot tub with seats is harder to find, they’re built with a soft bottom, and the walls are designed for adults to enjoy floor seating.
Vinyl hot tubs are easily the most affordable option, but they also have the least jets and hydrotherapy features.
Your Perfect Hot Tub Awaits
As long as you keep a few things in mind, there’s no reason why you can’t find the hot tub of your dreams at a price you can afford.
First, learn about the price ranges of hot tubs. Online vendors are a great place to start for this.
Then, decide on the features that are most important to you, whether that’s hydrotherapy, size, or others.
Finally, choose the material following the features you selected.
For more information on hot tubs and all kinds of pools, trust our experts at Florida Pool and Patio. Contact us today, and we will help you decide what the best option is for your home.
