Hot Tub Mistakes: The REAL Guide to the Most Common Errors

When shopping for a hot tub, it’s actually easy to make a mistake. A hot tub isn’t something you buy every day. It’s difficult for the average person to know what’s best and what isn’t, especially when all you want is a hot tub in the backyard and call it a day.

We see people concerned with making a mistake when they shop in our retail outlets, and that’s why we wanted to write this article. We want people to be confident when they buy that they are both getting a good deal when they become hot tub owners and that they find the right hot tub for them.

So in this article we will cover the most common mistakes people make when they buy hot tubs and try to explain how to avoid them. We will talk about:

• Jets
• Deciding why you want a hot tub
• Pricing
• Where to buy
• Salt water
• Sizing
• Accessories and options
• Cleaning systems 

We hope that in doing so, you’ll be closer to figuring out what is the right hot tub for you.

 

 

Focusing on Jet Count

Some of the “mistakes” customers make are encouraged by some hot tub companies. If a hot tub company is screaming about how many jets their tub has, we advise to steer clear. Many jets placed randomly do little more than raise your monthly power bills. Jets should be placed effectively so they massage your body, rather than hyped on the sheer number of them.

Tip: Get in the hot tub you’re considering buying, whether it has water or is dry, and see where the jets are placed. Are they in the right spot for you? Or do they seem like they are there to make the water turbulent but do nothing?

One-hundred jets in the wrong spot can’t do what five properly placed ones can. You’re also going to waste a lot of money powering jets you don’t need. This is the Hydropool Serenity 4300.

Not Knowing Why You Want a Hot Tub

This isn’t a mistake so much as it is an issue when you’re trying to buy. Because hot tubs are made to cater to many different people and issues, it’s best if you decide in advance what you’re looking for.

• Do you want a party tub?
• A hot tub to relax in?
• Are you looking for a hot tub massage to help with symptoms?
• Are you looking for a family zone?
• Are you looking for a hot tub with minimal maintenance?

All of these questions matter when buying, because hot tubs will have different seats, jets, options and features.

Tip: Know before you go to the store what your priorities are when buying a hot tub. That way you’ll be less attracted to buying just because of the price and have a better chance of getting the hot tub you actually want. 

Buying Only on the Lowest Possible Price

Every hot tub retailer that sells its tubs for more than rock bottom pricing has lost a sale on price. We know we don’t make the cheapest hot tub you can buy, and we can say the same for all of the companies on our list of who make the best hot tubs.

If you buy with lowest price as your primary factor, you are almost certainly not getting the best hot tub you can buy. You are getting a hot tub that will likely cost you more month to month and one that you will have to spend more time maintaining or that won’t do everything you want it to do. That’s okay in some cases: If you plan to buy again or if you need a hobby.

But in most cases, paying more upfront will get you into a hot tub better suited to you that will cost you less over time.

For example, a plug-and-play hot tub costs less but can’t power the jets and heater at the same time. A 220V has enough power to run both at once. That’s the biggest difference. Two pumps cost you less in the long run, while one pump is cheaper up front. These are all decisions that need to be made when buying.

Tip: Don’t just ask about upfront costs. Ask about ongoing costs of any model you’re looking at. And also know where and how your hot tub is going to be maintained under warranty.

Buying From Anyone Other than a Long-Time Retailer

Go on hot tub forums and this is one of the things frequently said in them that we entirely agree with: Your retailer matters a lot, sometimes more than the maker of the hot tub.

The retailer is going to be your source for solutions when something goes wonky with your water or your tub or if you just have questions about what to do on month three of ownership. The retailer will help you with any warranty claims and parts over the lifetime of your hot tub.

Tip: Getting a good retailer is like having a good mechanic for your car. Make sure you buy from a place where you connect with the retailer.

Buying From a Tent Sale Blowing Through Town

Many companies do tent sales (Hydropool included, we frequently use them to move inventory when we are overstocked). But when we do have them, we make sure they are at our local retailers, so people know who they are buying from and can get support after.

If you buy from a tent sale not anchored to a local retailer, you’re potentially on your own when it comes to questions on your hot tub or warranty support or regular supplies. 

Tip: Whenever you buy, make sure you know for sure who is providing support for your hot tub after you own it and that the retailer is actually local. If they aren’t, good luck with your warranty. It’s going to be harder for you. 

Thinking Salt Water Hot Tubs Have No Chemicals 

Saltwater hot tubs convert salt into chlorine or bromine. They don’t eliminate chemicals from your water, they are just another way of using chemicals. It’s important to know that when shopping. Just because something sounds awesome, doesn’t mean it entirely is.

Tip: Hydropool made saltwater hot tubs for years, but abandoned them because other options create the same effect at less cost and water care hassle for customers. Ask for the operating manual on any saltwater hot tub you’re considering. They are often about three times as thick as a standard one, because they are more complex.

How Many People Actually Fit? 

Hot tubs are often sold like tents: Yes, you can fit four people in a four-person tent. But it’s going to be pretty tight. That might be okay in a tent, but in a hot tub, you don’t want to feel squished. 

Tip: If it says four-seater hot tub, then put four people into it and see. Ask the salesperson to come in with you. Bring your kids. However you do it, see what it is like to have four people in the hot tub. Same rule goes for two, three, five, six, you name it.

Not Getting the Base Right

We see this one on forums a lot and from customers coming in: Should my base be flat or have a slope? How much slope is too much if it has a slope? Can I use gravel? Pavers? A deck?

In general, any supported flat surface can work. But it has to remain flat over time, so it may need some support below it. A concrete pad is best, but properly supported pavers or a deck or even packed gravel can work. 

Tip: Pick your model before you build your base. That way you’ll know for sure your base is built properly. Failing that, talk to your retailer first and get an answer about what kind of base you need.

Missing Out on the Good Accessories

Will you need steps to get in and out of your hot tub? Yes, unless you have a deck built around it. Do you need speakers in your hot tub if you own a portable speaker that you don’t mind using? Probably not. Are there lines that emphasize maintenance, so you don’t have to? Are there hot tubs with specific jets or massages?

Tip: Don’t be afraid to go over every feature available with your retailer. You don’t have to buy everything. You can say “next” as soon as you realize a feature isn’t for you. But it helps to know what options there are.

Not Realizing that After You Buy, the Cleaning System is Your Best Friend

Some companies offer advanced cleaning systems, such as AOP systems which use ultraviolet light to help keep your water clean (an option on all of Hydropool’s hot tubs).

Some have advanced filtration systems beyond that (Hydropool has a self-clean option).

Some companies offer the standard cleaning system for your hot tub water, with a top skimmer, non-pressurized filtration and no built-in system to clean the bottom of your hot tub (because this is the industry standard, Hydropool has this in its Serenity line of hot tubs). 

There’s nothing wrong with it, as you can maintain your hot tub for years with these methods. It’s just that there are options out there that allow you to do less hot tub maintenance.

All of these options will end up being more or less work for you, depending on what you choose.

Tip: Think about how much work you want to put into cleaning your hot tub before you buy it, so you know what level of sanitization you want. 

Not Realizing Insulation Drives Efficiency 

Many potential hot tub buyers come in and ask if a hot tub is insulated. If the answer is “yes” then they are good to go.

The big issue is how. If a hot tub has full-foam insulation, it will keep your water warm. But you’re asking for hassle any time you have a leak or any other fix, because all that insulation needs to be cut out.

Some manufacturers use insulation that uses the residual heat from the motor to help heat your water (Hydropool does this, but so do several other manufacturers). This is a more efficient system, because nothing is wasted.

Tip: How your hot tub is insulated can matter. Remember, you’re buying your hot tub for the long term. Make sure what you’re buying is built to work for the long haul.

What are Common Hot Tub Buying Mistakes?

There are, unfortunately, many places to misstep when purchasing a hot tub. Hot tub errors happen. It’s one of the issues of buying a relatively complicated product that is built to satisfy the needs of many different types of people.

However, the good news is that each of these issues can be easily overcome. What mostly matters is a little bit of education and pre-planning before you go talk to the dealer. That’s why we wrote this article, to try and give you a sense of what is best for you to know before you buy and to learn from the people who have bought before you.

If we haven’t answered a question of yours, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local retailer here.