Our
top 20 hot tubs
The choice has
been tough in this years edition of What Pool
& Hot Tub we have made a selection of good
value tubs on the market to suit all tastes and
pockets
Ranging from a two person round tub designed to
fit in a small corner to an ultimate swim spa
with attached six seater hot tub, through to a
grand theatre-style hot tub which seats 11 and
includes a mini cinema screen! That's the choice
when you enter the world of trying to select a
hot tub.
The market place can be very confusing.
For the first time buyer it’s about price
and value. For the hot tub aficionado it's more
about the technology of jets and pumps, how and
where they are positioned and its water cleansing
and sound systems.
It’s also about warranties and help from
the manufacturers and distributors.
Quick tips on
hot tub planning
Think long-term
Like a car, a hot tub is a long-term investment.
Consider financing your spa – paying a
small monthly bill each month, as opposed to a
lump sum upfront – to make the acquisition
easier on your wallet.
Think location
Keep in mind the additional expenses of hot tub
installation. Delivery can add to cost,
especially if extra equipment is needed to move
the hot tub into place. If you plan to put your
spa on a deck, check building codes to ensure
that your joists and posts are strong enough. The
typical four-person hot tub weighs 4,000 lbs.
filled with water. If you don't have a deck, you
may need to pour concrete
or purchase a spa pad - a prefabricated, modular
and weatherproof product with a sturdy, flat
surface to hold and support the tub. Upgrades to
the existing electric power at your home may also
be required. Have the site inspected by a spa
sales representative to find out what home
improvements need to be made before delivery.
Test the waters
A showroom soak is the best way to ensure the spa
fits your needs, and most retailers are happy to
oblige. At the very least, you need to climb into
an unfilled spa to ensure it's roomy and
comfortable.
Cover up
As with pools, a hot tub cover stops heat from
escaping (thus reducing your energy bills),
discourages impurities from entering the water
and prevents children and small animals from
falling in. Look for important cover features
like high-density foam for structural soundness,
an R-value of 12 or higher and a longer apron (or
side flaps) to ensure heat conservation.
Click on the cover above to get free access to
the current edition of
What Pool &
Hot Tub magazine which includes our
guide to what we believe to be 20 good value
quality spas on the market and which offer a
starting point in the search for the right hot
tub for you and your family.
Also featured in this years edition is a feature
dedicated to Swim Spas.