Buying a hot tub can be a trickier than you may think with a multitude of factors to consider. Not only do you have to find the right hot tub for your home and budget, you will need to consider delivery options and where to buy your hot tub. Don’t worry through, we will break it all down in this all-encompassing guide to make your hot tub buying experience as smooth as possible.
Inflatable hot tubs are portable hot tubs usually with an external pump and heater in a small housing outside the hot tub. Inflatable hot tubs can plug into any standard 110v outlet and and easy to set up and transport.
While inflatable hot tubs have grown in popularity due to their low initial prices, there are many hidden issues with inflatable hot tubs that consumers are not made aware of. Unless you will be moving your hot tub regularly, you are better off going with a plug & play hot tub. Some of the issues with inflatable hot tubs include the legs of the occupants having to overlap, slow heat-up times, energy inefficiency, poor water filtration, exaggerated occupancy ratings, shallow water depths , lack of jets, and uncomfortable seating positions.
If you have money to blow on an expensive novelty, a blow up hot tub may be an entertaining purchase, but should not be considered as a legitimate replacement for a permanently installed hard-shell hot tub.
Plug & play hot tubs resemble smaller traditional hard-shell hot tubs and can be plugged into any standard 110 volt outlet. They feature multiple jets, a control panel, a deep water level, bench or lounge seating, and are generally easy to move and install.
Although Plug & Play hot tubs are insulated, and are more energy efficient that inflatable hot tubs, the 110 volt power supply does cause it to be less energy efficient than traditional 240 volt hot tubs. The small power supply also means that there is usually not enough power for the filters and heater to run at the same time meaning they have to cycle which can reduce heat-up times, and limits the amount of jets that can be included in the hot tub. The small power supply also limits the size of the hot tub.
If you are looking for a low-investment, fully featured value hot tub that gets the job done and will last many years, a plug & play hot tub may be the perfect choice for your home.
Traditional hot tubs are in most cases larger than inflatable & plug & play hot tubs and have a larger power supply. Traditional hot tubs have to be professionally wired into your homes 240v wiring. Because of this, they can be far larger than the other types of hot tubs, and can include many more jets, have better filters, heat up much faster, and are more energy efficient.
Traditional hot tubs are the usual choice for homeowners, and are the most expensive out of the three types of hot tubs. Traditional hot tubs also require more effort to set up due to their power needs and their heavy weight. This usually means that a concrete slab be poured for the hot tub’s foundation. If your home is in an especially difficult position, the hot tub may need to be craned into position.
Placement is more important than the number of jets. Look for high-volume/low-pressure directional jets that are placed so they correspond with the areas of your body you’d like to target with hydromassage.
Try out the different seating options in a dry and/or wet hot tub to see which ones provide the most comfortable fit for you. You can also ask your hot tub dealer to explain how different seats are designed for different massage combinations; how lounge seats deliver full-body therapy; and why “cool down” seats above the waterline are great for children.
Beyond the look and feel of your hot tub, you’ll want to seek out a quality water management system. Look for those that do most of the job of keeping water clean so you can spend more time enjoying your hot tub and less time on water care. As a general rule, the more stages of filtration, the cleaner your water will potentially be. Your dealer can help you understand the
various water filtration stages, as well as the optional upgrades in higher-end models.
Because you’ll have your hot tub for many years to come, consider the durability of its materials. Ask your dealer about different options that maximize energy efficiency, are made with UV-resistant materials, and that allow you to make the look fit your style.
With more and more hot tub companies entering the market, choosing between models and brands is more difficult than ever. The amount of factors you will have to consider when picking out a new hot tub is quite large: price, size, availability of parts, warranty, dealer proximity, design, jet technology, and more should all be considered in your decision.
Lucky for you, we used our expansive knowledge of the hot tub industry to break down the top hot tub brands you should be focusing on.
Jacuzzi Spas is a renowned global brand that symbolizes innovation and luxury in the hot tub and spa industry. Founded by the Jacuzzi brothers in the early 20th century, the company initially started with the creation of hydrotherapy pumps for personal use before evolving into the production of hot tubs and spas. The name “Jacuzzi” has become synonymous with high-quality hot tubs and whirlpool baths, often used interchangeably to describe spa baths regardless of the manufacturer.
Jacuzzi Spas are known for their advanced hydrotherapy features, which include high-performance jets designed to provide targeted massage and relief to various parts of the body. Their product lineup encompasses a wide range of models, from compact units suitable for small spaces to large, luxurious spas designed for group entertainment and relaxation.
Bullfrog Spas is a company known for manufacturing high-quality hot tubs and spas. Established in the late 1990s, Bullfrog Spas differentiates itself with a unique technology called the JetPak Therapy System. This innovative feature allows users to customize their hot tub experience by selecting from a variety of interchangeable jetted spa seats, known as JetPaks. Each JetPak is designed to target specific muscle groups, providing a personalized massage experience that can be easily modified according to the user’s preference.
Bullfrog Spas focuses on creating energy-efficient, durable, and comfortable hot tubs. Their products are renowned for their high-quality construction, using durable materials that are meant to last while ensuring optimal energy efficiency. This is partly achieved through their full-foam insulation and high-quality spa covers, which help to reduce heat loss and operational costs.
Creating the right foundation is an important item to check off your to-do list before your hot tub arrives. Here are some options to consider.
Concrete: This is a common choice because it’s often already part of a patio or garden design, and it’s also strong and durable. If you have an existing concrete surface, just make sure it’s level and in good condition. You can also pour a single concrete slab on a custom base.
Deck: This can be a good place to put your hot tub, since a deck is usually already level. Just have it inspected before you install your model and make sure you have the proper mounts. Most decks can hold a hot tub, but be sure.
Spa pad: Pre-made spa pads are one of the simplest solutions out there and they look great. All you need to do is clear a level area of grass and topsoil, then lay out the hot tub base deck (see Jacuzzi® Brand High-Tech Polyethylene Spa Deck for an overview).
Jacuzzi® hot tubs require 120 or 240 volts, depending on the size of the spa, while Jacuzzi® Swim Spas require 240 volts of electricity. The knowledgeable professionals at your local dealer can help you determine what you need.
Many people are surprised to learn that no plumbing is required to install a Jacuzzi® hot tub or swim spa. Simply fill your spa with a garden hose and balance the water as needed. Installing a swim spa or hot tub is that easy.
Johnson City Showroom
3950 Bristol Hwy,
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 542-2391
Kingsport Showroom
1064 E Stone Drive
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423) 630-7665
Hours: Tues – Sat:
9:30AM – 6:00PM
Sun & Mon: Closed
