What Are the Best Features to Look for in a Hot Tub?
Imagine ending a long day by sinking into a warm, bubbling hot tub. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? But before you can turn this dream into a reality, there's a lot to consider. We're here to guide you through the maze of hot tub features, helping you understand what's essential and
what's not.
Hot tubs have come a long way from just being a tub filled with hot water. They're now packed with features that can transform your backyard into a personal spa. But with so many options, how do you choose?
Stick with us as we explore the world of luxury hot tubs with insights from Andrei Newman, the founder of Designer Home Spas, as he helps us break down the best features you should look for.
Understanding the Basics of Hot Tub Features
Diving deeper into hot tub features yields better clarity when making a purchasing decision. Let's dissect two primary facets: Size and Capacity, and Material and Durability.
Size and Capacity
Size speaks to the physical dimensions of a hot tub — its length, width, and depth. In general, smaller hot tubs accommodate 2 to 4 people, while larger tubs can seat up to 8 individuals or more.
An example of a smaller hot tub is the SaluSpa Miami AirJet, measuring about 71 inches in diameter and 26 inches in depth.
The capacity refers to how much water a hot tub can hold and the number of people it can comfortably accommodate. It should suit your needs, whether you plan use for solitary relaxation or socializing with friends.
The Intex 85in PureSpa Plus Round contains 290 gallons of water and comfortably seats six adults, providing a good sense of capacity.
Material and Durability
The longevity of a hot tub hinges on the materials used in its construction. Common materials include acrylic, vinyl, and roto-molded polyethylene. Each of these materials varies in quality, durability, and maintenance requirements.
Acrylic hot tubs, as exemplified by the LifeSmart 400DX, are particularly known for their sturdiness and long-lasting quality. Vinyl hot tubs, like the Coleman SaluSpa, are recognized for being lightweight and portable.
Lastly, roto-molded polyethylene hot tubs, like the Essential Hot Tubs Newport, boast industrial-strength for maximum durability.
Key Features of a Top-Quality Hot Tub
As we delve deeper into optimizing your hot tub experience, it's time to discuss two more critical aspects: Water Jets and Hydrotherapy Options, along with Temperature Control and Energy Efficiency.
Water Jets and Hydrotherapy Options
Hot tubs double as personal spas due to their water jet features, especially hydrotherapy options. These increase the relaxation and health benefits of a hot tub experience.
Top-quality hot tubs boast multiple water jets whose direction and pressure can be adjusted. Hydrotherapy, a part of water therapy, includes features like whirlpool or air jet systems that improve blood circulation, relieve physical discomfort, and induce relaxation.
Some models, such as the Hudson Bay 3 Person 14 Jet Spa and Essential Hot Tubs Syracuse, possess these advanced hydrotherapy functionalities, enhancing leisure and wellness aspects for users.
Temperature Control and Energy Efficiency
A top-quality hot tub allows precise control over its temperature. Adjustable temperature settings, commonly ranging from 68°F to 104°F, let users customize their hot tub experience as per the weather or personal preference.
While providing maximum comfort is essential, a good hot tub should also cater to energy efficiency.
Models with energy conservation features like insulation and energy-saving modes (for example, the Lifesmart Coronado DLX (LS600DX) 65-Jet, 7-Person Spa), assure you of significantly reduced power consumption.
Additional Comfort Features
Shifting our gaze from the more fundamental aspects of hot tubs, we now delve into features that enhance comfort. Lighting, Entertainment Systems, Covers, and Safety Features act as important distinguishing factors while selecting a high-quality hot tub.
Lighting and Entertainment Systems
Let's illuminate the topic of lighting first. Premium hot tubs often include adjustable LED lighting systems. These systems not only allow you to create a peaceful ambiance but also contribute to the overall safety during a night soak.
For instance, models like the Essential Hot Tubs Adelaide illuminate the tub with up to 20 stainless steel jets and a full perimeter LED lighting system.
Next on our list falls the entertainment systems. Quality hot tubs may come equipped with built-in stereo systems and waterproof speakers. These features transform your hot tub into a relaxation and entertainment hub.
The American Spas AM-756BP 6-Person model, for instance, features a Bluetooth-compatible sound system, allowing you to unwind with your favorite tunes.
Covers and Safety Features
Covering the aspects of safety and security, hot tub covers play an essential role. Not only do they keep the tub clean, reducing maintenance, but also assist with heat retention. Plus, covers act as safety barriers, particularly for households with children or pets.
Models like the QCA Spas Model 0 Gemini Plug and Play Hot Tub includes a hard-cover with safety clips, ensuring secure fastening.
Talking about safety elements within the tub, slip-resistant seating and floors, handrails, and easy-access steps are great assets. Spas that incorporated these features, like the Lifesmart LS350DX, offer an added level of safety, preventing slips and falls.
Remember, hot tubs are an investment in relaxation and rejuvenation. These additional features can greatly enhance your hot tub experience, making them worthy considerations for your ultimate selection.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Beyond the allure of their convenience and relaxation features, hot tubs demand a degree of maintenance and care. A well-maintained spa enhances its lifespan, and its overall performance, in the long term.
In this section, we'll explore four key maintenance and care tips that contribute to a high-functioning and durable hot tub.
Regular Cleaning
It's vital to keep the hot tub clean, preventing algae and bacteria build-up. It involves a routine of draining and scrubbing the tub every three to four months, referring to models like the Hudson Bay 3 Person 14 Jet Spa, which uses an antimicrobial filtration system for enhanced cleanliness.
Balancing Water Chemistry
Like swimming pools, hot tubs require balanced pH, alkalinity and sanitizer levels. Monitoring these parameters, much like with the Essential Hot Tubs Syracuse that includes a digital water care system, extends the functionality of the tub and keeps the water soft and sanitized.
Cover Maintenance
A hot tub cover, observed in high-end units like the QCA Spas Model 0 Gemini, serves a dual-purpose of heat retention and protection from debris. Inspect these covers frequently for wear and tear, ensuring that they are not waterlogged and have proper sealing.
Operational Checks
Regular checks on the pump, heater, jets and control panel maintains the quality of your hot tub, such as the American Spas AM-756BP 6-Person model, which features a user-friendly control system. Additionally, following the winterization process when not in use during freezing temperatures can prevent damages.
By adhering to these maintenance and care tips, your hot tub will maintain optimal performance, ensuring you enjoy not just the initial investment but a long-lasting hot tub experience.
Let's wrap up
We've journeyed through the world of hot tubs, from understanding their evolution to identifying the best features to look for. We've seen how size, material, jets, temperature control, and energy efficiency play significant roles in the choice of hot tubs. Models like Hudson Bay 3 Person 14 Jet Spa and Essential Hot Tubs Syracuse stand out for their exceptional features.
The role of comfort features like lighting, entertainment systems, covers, and safety features can't be overlooked. Premium hot tubs like Essential Hot Tubs Adelaide and American Spas AM-756BP 6-Person model take these features to another level. Safety is paramount, and models like QCA Spas Model 0 Gemini and Lifesmart LS350DX have this covered.
Maintenance and care tips are crucial for preserving your hot tub's longevity. Regular cleaning, balancing water chemistry, cover maintenance, and operational checks are key to a lasting and enjoyable hot tub experience.
So, when you're ready to dive into the world of hot tubs, remember these tips and enjoy the soak!
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.
