If you are thinking about purchasing a hot tub in the near future, then this is something that you need to think about carefully. A quick search on the Internet is going to review countless options for your hot tub. How can you make sure that you find the right one to meet your needs? There are a few important things that you should keep in mind. Take a look at some of the helpful information below!
5 Important Things to Know When Buying a Hot Tub
1. The Lifespan of the Hot Tub
First, do some research on whatever brands you are considering. Even though it is helpful to take a look at the sticker price, you also need to think about how long your hot tub is going to last. For example, if you go with a super cheap unit, it may end up burning out a few years after you purchase it. Then, you will simply be back in the same position, looking for another unit. If you want to save money, you need to find a unit that is going to last as long as possible. Take a look at how long each unit lasts before you make a decision.
2. Consider the Maintenance Expenses Associated with the Hot Tub
The sticker price is not the only thing you need to think about if you are looking for a tub. You also need to think about the maintenance expenses. For example, you are going to have to drain and clean the unit every 3-6 months. Think about how much money you have to spend on the water when you do so. Ajax offers this service. You should also think about how much money it is going to cost to operate the hot tub. Some tubs are simply more efficient than others. You want to find a unit that is going to use your electricity in an efficient manner. Finally, you also need to think about the chemicals and filters that you are going to use to keep the unit clean. These products can get expensive if you purchase a spa with 5 filters instead of 2.
3. Where Will You Put the Hot Tub?
If you simply thought you were going to place your tub in your backyard, think again. You need to make sure that you have a strong foundation that can support it. Hot tubs do not come with their own foundation. Most spa warranties require a foundation. The spa may require you to beef up a deck for weight or extend a patio to host the unit. If you do not have a safe, strong location to support your tub it will sit uneven and cause damage to the spa.
4. The Size of the Hot Tub
Of course, you also need to think about how large the hot tub is. There are some tubs that are so small that even four people might feel a little bit cramped. On the other hand, there are hot tubs that are large enough to seat more than a dozen people comfortably. Of course, the larger the unit is, the more expensive it is going to be and the more money you are going to spend maintaining it. How big of a jacuzzi do you need? Hot tall or short are the people, will they fit right? The average family size spa is 84” x 84”. How many people are going to be using it on a regular basis? Think about this before you decide on which you are going to purchase. Usually a lounge can take up to 1/3 of the spa.
5. The Added Features
Finally, a lot of hot tubs are also going to come with state-of-the-art advanced features. Are there extra accessories that you would like to see accompany your unit? For example, you might be looking for a hot tub that has a specific type of jet. Or you might be looking for hot tubs that come with speakers, WiFi, Spa monitor system, or fancy fiber optic lighting. Think about whether these features are important to you. That way, you can find the best unit possible to meet your needs. You might also be able to upgrade your unit at a later date if you desire, say from an Ozone System to a UVC Sterlizer System.
Professional Hot Tub Installation and Maintenance
In the end, you should not look at a hot tub as a toy. Instead, you should look at it as an investment. That way, you will review all of the options at your disposal and find the best hot tub to meet your needs. If you have more questions on whether a hot tub will work in your home, or what the ideal location would be, please contact us today to speak with a member of our staff. We are also able to visit your home for a Site Inspection to work through your installation and hot tub choices.
If you are thinking about installing a hot tub in your home, then there’s a good chance that you are focused on the sticker price. Even though it is important to think about how much money you are going to spend in your hot tub, it is also important for you to think about recurring monthly expenses. Just as you are going to have recurring monthly expenses if you install a pool, you are also going to have expenses you need to absorb if you install the unit.
For example, you need to think about how much electricity you are going to spend itself. You also need to think about the water expenses that are going to arise because you need to keep the tub filled. What happens if there is a repair that you need to cover? What about the chemicals you need to keep it clean? Make sure that you think about all of these expenses before you decide if a hot tub is right for you. Quality tubs have warranties that cover parts and labor lasting up to 5 years.
Monthly Energy Costs to Run a Hot Tub
One of the biggest monthly expenses that you are going to have if you decide to go in a tub involves heating. Your electricity cost is going to depend on a variety of factors. For example, this is going to depend on how often you use it, the temperature you like, and the price of electricity, which is usually measured in kilowatt-hours.
In general, the average person should expect to spend less than $1 per day to run his or her hot tub. Newer models hover somewhere around $20 per month, assuming they are used an average amount.
On the other hand, the exact model of hot tub that you use is also going to play a role in your monthly energy expenses. Newer models are more expensive; however, they also cost less money to operate. If you try to save money and reach for a cheaper model, you might end up with a unit that is not nearly as efficient. Therefore, it might require more money and utility expenses to get that hot talk to the same temperature.
How Much Chemicals for the Hot Tub Will Cost Every Month?
In addition, you also need to think about how much money you are going to spend on chemicals for your hot tub. Filling up your hot tub of water is not something that you can simply complete and forget. You need to make sure that you drain your hot tub and clean it every three to four months. If your hot tub is used more often, then you may need to drain, clean, and refill your hot tub more often, driving up the cost. In order to estimate the average monthly water cost, you should take a look at the capacity of the hot tub, multiply that by the number of times you plan to drain and refill it, and then multiply this by your total water cost per gallon.
In addition, you should also think about how much money you are going to spend on cleaning chemicals. Bromine and chlorine are needed to sanitize the water and keep it balanced. Even though this also depends on how often you use the hot tub, you should expect these expenses to come in somewhere between $10 and $20 per month. Factor all of this into the cost of the hot tub as well.
How Often Should I Replace the Hot Tub Cartridge Filters?
Spa filters should be replaced annually. Spa filters often look white and clean, but may be clogged with calcium hardness causing low flow. Eventually, if not replaced, they will cause your heater to fail. Spa filtersshould be removed, and spray cleaned with a garden hose nozzle monthly. Be sure to get between the cartridge folds. Don’t put your cartridge in the dishwasher or take to the high-pressure car wash, as it will wreck the filter. It’s best to shut the spa breaker off before removing the filter to avoid debris from going back to the pump. Aftermarket filters come in various quality. Cheap brands may not withstand the volume of your spa and will collapse. Unicel is a very good brand. Many cartridges are also available with Microban which helps prevent mildew.
As the temperature gets colder outside, it might be time for you to winterize your hot tub. You need to make sure that you winterize your tub properly so that it has no water that can freeze and break a pipe. Of course, there are several steps that you need to complete in order to get your hot tub ready for the winter. If you do not winterize properly, you may experience severe problems when you go to re-open it again during the spring or summer. Ajax Pool suggests you hire a professional to blow-out the lines in freeze areas, just like a sprinkler system. A Professional will evacuate all the water lines and plug off the skimmer and jet returns.
1. What to Clean Your Hot Tub With
The first step is to drain and clean your hot tub appropriately. In order to clean it, you are going to need a sump pump, a garden hose, a filter cleaner, and plenty of non-abrasive sponges. You should try to stay away from abrasive sponges because they can scratch the surface of your jacuzzi and remove its finish, making it less durable while shortening its lifespan.
You are probably going to be using cleaners that contain soap, chlorine, and possibly bromine. Before you drain the water into your yard, make sure that the chemical levels drop appropriately. Start the process of winterizing your tub by draining it.
If you are interested and draining it a little bit faster, you may be able to pump the water out with a sump pump. Remember that you are going to be releasing about 400 gallons of water, so this process may take a little while. You also need to make sure that you drain the blower line as well.
After the water is gone, you also need to remove the filters, clean them and place them in a dry place to avoid mold. It is helpful for you to put the filters into a chemical soap for about 24 hours. If the filters are too dirty, you can also replace them upon re-opening.
Finally, make sure that you clean the shell of the unit as well. Even though cleaning the shell is relatively easy, you may find a ring of annoying scum around the waterline. If you are having trouble getting the scum removed, you may simply need to soak it with a little bit using a cleaner before you scrub it away.
2. The Type of Cover to Use
You need to make sure that you select the right hot tub cover for your hot tub. There are a few common specifications that you should look for in a cover. These include:
If your hot tub is located in an indoor heated room, then you need a 1.0-pound foam core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches.
If your hot tub is covered but located outside in a relatively mild climate, then you are looking for a 1.5-pound form core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches.
If your hot tub is located outside in a cold climate, or you think that your hot tub is going to get rained on regularly, then you need a 2.0 foam core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches.
Finally, if you think that your hot tub is going to be exposed to snow during the winter, then you need to go with a 2.0-pound foam core that tapers from 5 inches to 3 inches.
Make sure that you find the right type of cover for your hot tub. Dry the spa and the cover completely to avoid mold.
How Big of a Foam Core Does a Cover Need?
Ultimately, the size of your foam core is going to depend on the temperature and the elements. In general, the colder you are area will get and the more snow you receive, the bigger the foam core you require. If you are going to be exposed to snow during the winter, you need to find a foam core that is at least 2 lbs. in size. That way, your hot tub will be able to stand up to the cold weather and heavy snow load.
Furthermore, you also want to find a core that has been built to last. Look for something that has double stitching with 40-point replacement. Premium, marine-grade vinyl has also been treated to avoid mildew and ultraviolet radiation damage. Finally, look for seals that will help you prevent heat and moisture loss. All of this will help you preserve your hot tub and make sure it is ready for the spring.
3. Check the Spa Throughout the Winter
As the Winter moves along, check the spa to be sure the cover is staying on and keeping water and snow melt out of the spa. Do not leave a chemical feeder in the spa, as it will rust your jet faces.
Hot tubs typically do not require a lot of additional accessories to function well. You do not really need toys or slides to make your hot tub any more enjoyable.
Still, there is one accessory that can prove beneficial in terms of improving how your spa operates and making it easier to maintain. The accessory in question is the hot tub cover.
In this article, we will talk more about the accessory and how it helps your hot tub. We will also give you pointers for finding a high-quality cover.
With the introductions out of the way, let us get to the benefits offered by a spa cover.
Why You Should Keep Your Hot Tub Covered
Purchasing a cover can help you in more ways than one. Included below are the reasons why that accessory is an important purchase.
It Keeps Kids and Pets Out of the Hot Tub
You will not be able to keep a close eye on your hot tub all the time. If your kids or pets are playing in your yard, they may accidentally fall into your open spa.
A proper cover can prevent your child or your pet from falling into the water and possibly drowning or getting seriously injured. Make sure you have the cover in place whenever the tub is not in use to eliminate the chances of those unfortunate accidents ever happening.
It Makes Cleaning and Maintaining the Hot Tub Easier
Covers are also helpful because they help preserve water quality.
You must get the chemical balance and the temperature of the water just right to get the most out of your soak. That is easier to do with a cover because you can just keep it on as you are getting ready to take a dip.
Furthermore, a proper cover will also keep out debris like small rocks, leaves, and twigs. You will not have to skim your hot tub constantly to pick out items that could jam the jets.
It Protects Your Hot Tub from Serious Damage
One more reason why a cover is a smart purchase is that it safeguards your investment. You obviously cannot bring your tub into your home during a storm.
The best thing you can do is to put the cover on and hope it keeps any foreign objects at bay. Aside from storms, covers can also protect your investment from snow, strong winds, and other forces of nature.
What Factors Should You Consider When Shopping for a Hot Tub Cover?
Now that we have established the value of having a quality cover, it is time to talk about shopping for one. This section will focus on the factors that matter most when you are deciding which cover to purchase.
Fit
The cover you purchase will not be any good if it fits poorly over your hot tub. The good news is that you can purchase a cover that is customized to fit your hot tub perfectly. Bring a professional over to handle the measurements to ensure that you will end up with the right-sized cover.
Type of Cover
Consumer Affairs notes that there are four types of spa covers available.
First off, you have the soft or vinyl covers. These are easy to apply and are quite affordable. However, they do not offer much in the way of protection which is why they are best reserved for indoor tubs.
In stark contrast to the soft covers, the hard-shell items offer a lot in terms of durability and protection. They are harder to move around and apply but they are ideal choices for outdoor tubs.
Solar tub covers are sought after because they can help you trim your energy expenses. If the sun’s out, the water inside your tub will warm up if a solar cover is on.
Seasonal covers envelop the whole tub and they excel at shielding the hot tub from freezing temperatures.
Foam Core Density
You should also consider the density of the foam core when deciding which cover to buy. Denser foam cores offer better insulation. If you want to be more energy-efficient, make sure the cover you are getting has that dense foam core.
Who Makes the Best Spa Covers?
We at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen can offer the Smartop Spa Cover and we believe that it is the superior all-around option for any home-based hot tub. Our cover is customized to fit over your hot tub, capable of withstanding harsh weather, and is among the most stylish options available today.
Feel free to check it out when you are looking for covers.
If you want to broaden your search, The Spruce has highlighted some of the other quality options that are currently available.
Where You Should Buy Hot Tub Covers
Whether you’re looking for a new hot tub, a new cover, or any other related accessory, we at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen are ready to offer our assistance. Contact us today to find out more about our wide selection of products!
A hot tub can be a terrific addition to any home. You will be able to use it for relaxing, entertaining guests, and even getting a quick massage.
If you have space to spare on your property, having a hot tub placed there would be a great idea.
Of course, available space is not the only consideration that matters here. For many homeowners, the bigger barrier is the actual cost.
In this article, we will focus on all matters pertaining to outdoor hot tub prices. We will highlight certain factors that could make a difference if you are trying to buy a new home spa at a lower price. We will also discuss how much it will cost to operate one long-term.
How Quality Affects Hot Tub Prices
The main factor that affects pricing is the quality of the item itself. As you would expect, the higher quality tubs are on the high end of the pricing bracket while those that are not quite on the same level are more affordable.
Retirement Living divides the type of tub into four different pricing brackets.
Entry-Level Hot Tubs
First off, you have what is known as the entry-level tubs. These are often rotationally molded with a matte finish. They are not flashy, and the jets are weak, but they still deliver a decent approximation of the soothing experience you expect to receive from a hot tub.
Entry-level tubs can approach nearly $7,000 in purchase price.
Value-Priced Hot Tubs
A step up from your entry-level tubs is the value-priced options. This time around, the jets are stronger, and the exterior of the tub may even be fashioned out of wood. Some of the tub’s interior components may not last that long, however.
Value-priced tubs usually fall in the range of $7,000 to $9,000.
Premium Hot Tubs
If you want powerful jets, flashy interior lighting, and advanced control features, then you will likely be interested in purchasing a premium tub. Along with those high-end features, premium tubs are also lauded for being energy efficient. Your electric bill will not skyrocket if you opt for this kind of purchase.
To get a premium tub for your home, expect to spend somewhere in the range of $10,000 to $13,000.
Luxury Hot Tubs
Last up, we have luxury options. These are the tubs that come loaded with all the newest features, the most powerful jets, and they look very stylish as well. Arguably the best part about owning luxury tubs though is that they are a breeze to maintain because of their built-in features.
For those considering a luxury hot tub, they are usually priced at $13,000 and go higher from there.
How Size Affects Hot Tub Prices
The size of the unit will also play a huge role in determining its final price.
According to Home Advisor, the tubs designed for two to three people are priced somewhere in the range of $2,000 to $7,000. If you are talking about 4-5 person tubs, then the price range moves up to $2,000 to $12,000. 6-7 person tubs have a similarly large range, going from $3,000 all the way up to $15,000.
The big tubs capable of hosting up to 10 people are usually priced in the range of $5,000 to $20,000.
You can save more by installing an above-ground tub. You can get above-ground spas for $2,000 and they do not cost that much to get professionally installed.
In-ground models are typically more expensive. You will likely have to set aside at least $10,000 to have your new hot tub installed.
What Is the Average Cost of Adding a Hot Tub to Your Home?
The average cost of adding a new tub to your home is right around $6,000. You are likely looking at an entry-level tub at that price and if you want it installed in the ground, it will have to be on the lower end of the price range for the entry-level options.
Those looking to save as much money as they can on their purchase can add an above-ground spa to their home for around $2,000.
Now, if you are looking to splurge, there are models that approach $30,000 in terms of price. Add installation costs to that and you could spend close to $35,000.
How Much Will It Cost to Operate a Hot Tub Long-Term?
The monthly operating cost of your tub depends on what model you are using.
Older models that are not equipped with energy-efficient components can be a bit costly. They may add as much as $50 to your monthly electric bill assuming normal usage.
The newer models outfitted with the energy-efficient features may cost less than $1 per day to operate. At the end of the month, they may only add about $23 to your electric bill.
Adding a new hot tub to your home does not necessarily have to be a bank-breaking expenditure. With the wealth of options available, you should be able to find a tub that works for your home and makes sense for your bank account. Allow us at Ajax Pool & Spa Aspen to help you find that hot tub by getting in touch with us today.
