What To Ask Before Buying A Hot Tub

You've decided to take the plunge: This summer, you'll while away your evenings, wine glass at hand, in a steamy, bubbling hot tub. But before you hire an electrician and start moving the flower beds to make room for your luxurious backyard spa, here are five key questions to ask when shopping for a model to suit your needs. 

How much will it cost?

A good tub runs between $7,000 and $9,000 before tax. That should get you everything you need, including room for three to seven people, a cover, delivery and setup. Other costs, such as a gravel or concrete base ($750 to $1,000) and the electrical hookup ($500 and up) are extra. To run an efficient tub year-round, expect an increase of $350 to $500 on your electrical bill.

What's the tub made of and how powerful is its circulating system?

Look for a tub made of fibreglass-backed acrylic, not ABS plastic, because it's stronger, says Tim Wilson, a hot tub sales representative at Mermaid Pools in Ottawa.

When it comes to the circulating pump, he says ask about "design" (or "true") horsepower: It should be roughly one horsepower for every five to eight jets. Make sure the pumps and jets are accessible for repair.

What about the warranty and after-sale service?

Joe Corke, a hot tub sales representative at Purewater Total Home Leisure in Ottawa, says it's important to ask: Is the warranty full or pro-rated, does it cover parts, labour and travel to your home, and does it start from the day of sale or the day of delivery?

Make sure the acrylic lining, which cannot be replaced, has at least a 20-year warranty. Look for three years and up on pumps, heater and other components. Ask who does the servicing. A retailer with in-house technicians is best.

Can I try before I buy?

Bring your swim suit for a trial dip. At the very least, climb into a dry tub and make sure it feels right.

"When you're sitting in the tub at home," said Corke, "you're not turning to the person next to you and saying, 'I love the filtration system!' You should be saying, 'Wow, this feels awesome!' "

How much maintenance is involved?

Maintenance is do-it-yourself: weekly addition of bromine to keep the water sanitary, regular balancing of pH, alkalinity and other levels, replacing the water every three or four months, and an annual flushing of water lines. Creams, makeup and perfumes upset the water balance, causing foam and cloudiness. A quick shower before going in the hot tub is a good idea.

http://www.hgtv.ca/outdoor/article/what-to-ask-before-buying-a-hot-tub/

Purchasing a Hot Tub

Relax amid swirling waters...in summer and winter! If you're toying with the idea of purchasing a hot tub for your backyard, there are a few things you should know before you jump in. WHAT TO CONSIDER Advantages Hot tubs have become increasingly popular -- with good reason. First, unlike swimming pools, they can be used year-round, thus giving you a better return on your investment.

What's more, because a hot tub doesn’t have to be closed for the winter (unless you're unable to maintain it), you'll save on pool starter and closing kits. There are other advantages. A hot tub takes up less space and requires less maintenance than a swimming pool, and it can easily be moved. As well, a permit isn't required to install one, nor is it necessary to build a fence around it. All you have to do is lock up the cover when the hot tub is not in use. And last, but certainly not least, the hot tub is a haven of peace: It promotes relaxation, offers all of the benefits of hydrotherapy and, with its therapeutic qualities, it can be a boon to people with back pain and sore muscles.

Disadvantages Conversely, a hot tub will drive up your winter hydro bill by one to three dollars per day, and the children won’t have as much fun as they would in a swimming pool. Also, its hot water (between 35°C and 40°C) will offer no relief during a heat wave. That’s not even mentioning the cost: between $5,000 and $15,000 compared to just over $3,000 for an above-ground swimming pool measuring 21 feet in diameter. Size Hot tubs come in a variety of sizes designed to accommodate anywhere from 2 to 10 people. Before selecting a size, though, it's important to consider the space you have available and to determine where you intend to place the unit.

As well, consult your municipality and your insurer to find out how much distance is required between the hot tub and both the house and the edge of the property. Then you'll want to think about how much space you need to be comfortable. How many people will be using it at the same time? Do you intend to soak solo, with a significant other, as a family or with friends? A word of advice: You're better off basing your choice on its actual use than its potential use. In general, a five-person unit will suffice to accommodate a family and, occasionally, friends.

Your needs Choose a hot tub that suits your tastes, needs and lifestyle. Will it be used to socialize, relax and re-energize or soothe aching muscles? In the first two instances, a 20-jet hot tub should be more than enough -- better yet, it won’t be too loud. In the latter case, a minimum of 30 jets is needed to massage your body from the tips of your toes to the nape of your neck. If you suffer from back pain, opt for one with jets pointed toward the length of the spine. Note that pregnant women and people with heart conditions are advised to avoid hot tubs.

The number of seats should also be taken into account. In general, a five- or six-person model is recommended. Each place is outfitted with jets meant to massage specific parts of the body, and the user will have to sit in every place to obtain a total body massage. A four-person hot tub features fewer jets, and as a result its massage won't be quite as complete.

http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/outdoor-living/purchasing-a-hot-tub/a/20371

Hot Tub Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy Tubs: A hot tub is recognized for delivering soothing and stimulating hydrotherapy. . The warm water and massage elements in a hot tub environment can clear your mind and reduce your stress as well as soothe overworked muscles. Whether you're juggling work and family, recovering from a joint or muscle injury, or simply needing to unwind from the day's stresses, hydrotherapy tubs provide relaxation, healing effects, and nourishing rejuvenation.

Hot tub hydrotherapy can help bring about a good night's sleep, may help keep joints moving, restore strength and flexibility and soothe arthritis pain. A hydrotherapy hot tub session is a great experience any time of the day or any season of the year.

How hydrotherapy hot tubs work: Water is used to speed recovery from injuries, relieve muscle soreness by facilitating the removal of lactic acid, open the blood vessels to improve circulation, help the muscles around arthritic joints relax, and promote the flow of endorphins.
The following features combine to create your hydrotherapy tub experience. They are all important considerations when choosing the best hot tub purchase:

• Jets and jet therapy
• Seating
• Pumps and water power
• Controls and heating systems

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