10 things you should know before buying a hot tub.
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about buying a spa, you’re not sure what to believe. What do you absolutely need to know before you buy? We developed this brochure to help you enjoy your spa shopping experience and make an informed buying decision. We know that it’s tough to trust a salesperson you don’t know, who may or may not be giving you biased information geared toward enticing you to buy the spa they picked out for you. The ten items listed in this brochure should get you started thinking about your situation and your needs. Our goal is that when you finally have that spa sitting in your yard, you can relax in the knowledge that your new spa is ideal for you That way, when you climb into the inviting warm water of your perfect spa, you don’t have any additional stress to soak away. Everyday life provides enough of that!
- Where are you putting the spa? Have you thought about where you want to place your spa? Research shows that if the spa is too far out in your yard, it could be inconvenient.. You usually want to place the spa where it is convenient to use, so that you can enjoy it more often unless you want it primarily to enhance your yard.
- Are you placing the spa on a pad or deck? Do you have a concrete pad or a deck on which to place the spa? If you plan to place the spa on a deck, is the deck rated to carry the load of a spa full of water? (figure 8.4lbs per gallon plus people) Or, what if you do not have a pad? Do you know how to find someone to do the work for you?
- Do you have an electrician? How much does that cost? Although you may be tempted to save a few dollars by hiring your handy friend, neighbor, or relative to handle the electrical work, don’t take that chance. You need a qualified electrician who’s experienced in spa installation. Talk to your spa dealer, who can recommend to you a licensed, bonded, and highly qualified electrician. So that you know what to expect, most electricians will come to your home and give you a free estimate.
- Do I need a GFCI? Yes, you do. The GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an electrical code requirement for the proper installation of any spa. Please note that it is best to mount the GFCI where service technicians can access it to turn off power to the spa, in the event that your spa requires service in the future.
- How will the spa be delivered? On the day of your delivery, a delivery team will bring your spa to your home. In some cases, you may be asked to assist them in placing the spa where you want it. The delivery team uses a large dolly, and the spa is flipped up to a vertical position and then wheeled to the site. In certain delivery situations, a boom truck or crane may be required. Your spa dealer can assist you with the information you need.
- Is there anything in the path of the delivery? Things like trees, fences, concrete paths, and gravel paths can be obstacles to the delivery team. You might not notice these things because you see them everyday, but when you talk with the scheduling department, please provide as much information as you can. Also be aware that it can be difficult to describe the delivery path so the scheduling department can accurately picture it and plan for it, so you might want to look at the path very carefully before you talk with the scheduling department.
- How do I learn what chemicals I need to use? Although this information is typically covered during your presentation, it’s easy to forget the details. After your spa is delivered, bring a water sample into the showroom for a FREE water test. Your dealer will evaluate this test and be able to tell you what chemicals you need to keep your water balanced. You can also receive FREE water testing in the future if you need it.
- Who do I call if there is a problem with my spa? If you have a problem with your spa, call your spa dealer first. Purchasing a spa from your local dealer is very important for dealing with spa warranty or repair issues. If you purchase a product that doesn't have a technical support team (like mass merchants), you are at risk.
- How much does it cost to heat my spa? Actually, it costs very little to heat your spa each month. There are several factors that will either increase or decrease those costs. Energy efficiency of the spa is incredibly important. The insulation method plays a large part of the energy efficiency. The wattage pull of the pump is another cost. Additionally, the amount of time the thermal cover is on the spa because heat rises will effect cost of operation.
- What does the warranty cover? When shopping for that new spa purchase, you will want to know what the warranty covers. Spa manufacturers have warranties that are pro-rated or two-part, due to the materials they use to build their spas. Carefully read the warranty and ask questions, as the language used in warranties can be very confusing. A few manufacturers have long warranties that are single warranties because of the construction materials. Think about these questions: Do you plan to own your spa? How easy is it to repair the spa?
"It has been my personal vision over the past 29 years to design and build spas that re-define the spa industry."
Ronald Clearwater
