Hot Tub Buying Guide - Amazon S3 · Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying...

Hot Tub Buying Guide – 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub!

2 This report provided by: Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota http://HotSpringGreen.com

7 Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy a Hot Tub

If you're buying a hot tub for the first

time, you're probably already aware of

some of the benefits a portable spa has to

offer (more on this later). But how much

do you know about the hot tub itself? How

will you make the right decision on what

could be a great investment for your

health and your family?

Of course you want to know the basics: indoor or outdoor, how many people will be

using the hot tub, how often it will be used, what features you want. But there are a

lot of different types of portable spas, and being new to hot tub ownership, there are

questions you may not think of that you need to know in order to make the smartest

choice and buy the best hot tub for you and your family.

Choosing the right hot tub for you and your family can be overwhelming and

confusing with the various products, brands, options and features that are available

to you. Our goal is to take the stress out of buying a hot tub. We have put together a

list of questions you should ask before you purchase your hot tub. We are hopeful

that this information will help you during your search.

Before We Start:

There are a few things that we suggest you do before you begin searching for your

hot tub, due to the fact that this is not your everyday type of purchase. There are

things to consider such as; budget, maintenance time required, lifestyle, placement

and environmental issues.

Let’s begin by bringing some clarification to common descriptions people use to talk

about hot tubs. There’s no need to worry about the terminology, all of the following

mean the same thing; portable spas, portable hot tub, spas, and hot tub spa.

Throughout this report the terms spa and hot tub will be used interchangeably.

http://hotspringgreen.com/



In terms of longevity and maintenance, you can save time and money when you

select the right hot tub for you from a trusted and experienced dealer. No matter

which hot tub you choose the relaxation and medical benefits you receive from hot

water therapy remain the same.

Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub

Here are just a few of the benefits of owning

your own spa – stress reduction, relieved

symptoms of arthritis, getting a better night’s

sleep, and less pain and soreness in your

muscles and joints.

Not only does a hot tub have many great health benefits, it is also a relaxing activity

to share with your family and friends. It’s wonderful to spend time with and

entertain those close to you, while soothing your senses in the warm water. A great

way to make your hot tub the focal point of your backyard is to surround it with a

beautiful landscape. It’s no secret that a spa can increase your lifestyle, what’s even

better is the value of your home will also increase.

Before You Begin Shopping

It is very important to consider the average number of people who will be using your

spa at the same time as well as how often your spa will be used. Are you going to

use it only a couple of days per week with only 1or 2 people, or will you be using it

daily with a large family or group of friends? In addition to these factors, budget,

size, maintenance, and how much space you will need for your spa, all need to be

considered. You will make your buying experience and research more fluid when

you have these choices made ahead of time.

Note: Less Expensive Does Not Mean You Are Getting a Better Deal

All hot tubs are built and designed very differently and will ultimately affect the

price and your future enjoyment. Issues that should be considered are; easy use,

safety, comfort, performance, reliability, and the most imperative when selecting




your new hot tub, total cost of ownership. A saying that holds true is, ‘you get what

you pay for’!

Now that you have been prepped, let’s begin….




Question #1—How Long has the Dealer and Spa

Manufacturer Been in Business?

When you decide you want a personal spa, you might be tempted to go to any dealer

and pick out a tub that has an attractive price. But before you even begin looking at

the variety of hot tubs offered, make sure you are dealing with a reputable

manufacturer and a dealer that you can trust.

How can you be sure that you have found a reliable dealer and a good manufacturer?

Check out how long they have been in business.

Why does longevity matter?

Your investment in a portable hot tub will not end when you pay for the hot tub. As

the years go by, you will need parts, supplies and repairs. You want to have

a manufacturer who will still be producing parts when you need them. You

want to make sure that you have access to a dealer who will be able to

provide service to you, not one that might go out of business six months from now.

By choosing to deal with companies that have been in business a long time, you give

yourself the benefits that come with people who have the expertise, knowledge, and

experience to take care of any questions and problems you have.

After you've established that they are legitimate and reliable companies, investigate

the reputation of the manufacturer and dealer. Do they have

testimonials? Do you know anyone who has dealt with them? A

quick way to investigate their standing is to contact the Better

Business Bureau and discover if there are any complaints or

problems.

Lastly, find out whether the dealers or manufacturers have received third

party endorsements or awards. In addition to their longevity, independent

recognition of their work is one of the best ways to find out whether you

can count on them for a quality product with quality service.




Question #2—How Easy is the Spa to Maintain?

All manufacturers will have manuals that describe

what kind of cleaning should be done, but in

general they all require filter cleaning, as well as

sanitizing. Hot tubs should also be drained and

refilled every few months.

You should ask the dealer questions like; how

often will you have to replace parts? How often

must the hot tub be cleaned? Do you have any eco-friendly ways of sanitizing the

spa? How easy is it to change the spa filters? Is there anything special that needs to

be done to the hot tub during the winter months? A good dealer will be able to

answer these questions, but they may also be able to perform the routine maintenance

for you.

To help protect your hot tub year round, think about purchasing a locked safety cover

that complies with national safety standards as recommended by spa professionals.

Inquire whether a cover comes with your hot tub, as they are sometimes separate

costs. Safety covers are also recommended for those with small children as a safety

precaution.




Question #3—How Energy Efficient is the Spa -

Can You Get Estimated Monthly Costs?

Energy Efficiency

This is where it's important to get serious about what your needs are. Buying a hot

tub with a lot of jets and huge pumps might sound good, but end up costing you a

lot of money. Ask your dealer about the relationship between jets and pumps.

Insulation is an important factor in keeping costs down. Typically, the

more insulation a spa has, the lower the operating costs will be. Most

hot tubs use foam to insulate, and the best insulation is provided by

closed cell polyurethane layers—ask your dealer to show you what

these are. Hot tub covers are also quite helpful in insulation.

Check for third party confirmation (such as the California Energy Commission) of

any energy efficient claims made by the dealer and the manufacturer. Also look for

any independent awards given to the manufacturer for energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency is not only better for your wallet, it's also better for the

environment. A good manufacturer will offer a product that is both affordable and

energy-saving.

Cost

While the cost to operate a hot tub is much less than you think, (usually less than a

dollar a day), it is not easy to give an exact cost simply because it depends on a

variety of factors that change. These factors include: local cost of electricity; what

kind of hot tub you buy; how often it is used; and the water and ambient

temperatures.

Luckily, you can estimate monthly costs by asking the manufacturer for

an energy table that takes into account temperature, watts used, and

other factors. Don't forget to get a current charge rate from your local




electric company to get a good idea of how closely your costs will align with those

on the energy table.




Question #4—Do You Have to Use Harsh

Chemicals to Keep Your Spa Water Clean?

Happily, the chemicals needed to maintain a portable hot tub are no more harmful

than the chemicals you use to keep a typical pool fresh and clean. Most

manufacturers recommend a weekly treatment. Many dealers sell water sanitizing

chemicals designed especially for hot tubs and spas.

Many hot tubs now come with integrated sanitizing systems

designed to keep your water safe, clean and ready to use at a

moment’s notice. In addition, there are now salt water sanitizing systems that are

fast, safe and very easy to use. Ask your dealer about this option.

A few other things to keep in mind when considering water sanitation include:

Keep water at the proper pH - It is important to keep a balanced pH in place.

Not because it feels better, which it does, but because acidic water (low pH)

can destroy hot tub components over time, and alkaline water (high pH) will

cause build-up. Testing the pH of the water in the hot tub is recommended.

Contamination - The bubbling, hot water is one of the reasons you want to

buy a portable spa, but bacteria love warm, wet environments. A good

sanitizing system makes sure that the water in your hot tub will not become

a breeding ground for bacteria as well as keeping viruses and other

contaminants at bay.




Question #5—What Do I have to Do to Prepare

My Backyard for Installation?

One of the reasons hot tubs are such great investments is their ease of installation. If

you will be putting your portable spa in the backyard, there is not really much to do.

You need to be sure that wherever you plan to put the spa, it is sturdy enough to

support the weight of the spa (including water and people). You also need a level

space and access to the right electrical requirements.

Portable spa pads are becoming more popular, since they are low cost and provide

an adequate surface for a hot tub. Ask your dealer about this option if need be.

Poured concrete, rocks or gravel may be used as well,

with consideration of rainwater drainage and

compacting of the soil beneath. Care must be taken to

ensure a flat surface for the hot tub. You may need to

check with your local government to make sure you

comply with local codes. Many times your dealer will

be able to do this work for you or recommend someone

who specializes in this type of work.

Installing a deck can be a great decision, but a contractor must be contacted in order

to make sure the deck is constructed in a way that allows for the weight of a full tub

as well as the weight of those potentially inside the tub.

Be watchful of trees and power lines overhead, and make sure to check with your

local government to make sure you're in compliance with any city codes.




Question #6—What Type of “After the Sale”

Services Does the Dealer Provide?

At some point in the life of your hot tub, you will require some kind of service and

you'll want to get it in a timely manner. Before you buy a hot tub, ask about the

services that your dealer and manufacturer provide. Some things to consider are:

Service hours - if you have to wait 2 weeks to sit in your hot tub, that might

not be the best dealer for you.

Certification of service workers - if workers are certified, they are more

knowledgeable about the product. Better yet, this means the dealer is more

interested in hiring workers who have that level of knowledge. They take

service seriously, and that's the kind of dealer you want to work with.

Maintenance services - cleaning services on a weekly/monthly basis can be

a big help for a busy family.

Stock and supplies - if they don't have a part that you need, how quickly can

they contact the manufacturer to get

the right part for you?

Moving services - if you decide to

move and want to take your hot tub

with you, it will be in your best

interest that your dealer offers a local

moving service.

Trade-in option - can be helpful if you want to upgrade or your spa needs

change.




Question#7—Does the Dealer and Manufacturer

Stand Behind Their Product in Terms of a Good

Warranty?

Imagine this: You've bought your brand new hot tub. You've cleared out the space

in the yard, you've had it installed, and you can't wait to get home after work to jump

in and relax. But the hot tub doesn't turn on. You push the buttons, it doesn't turn

on. You read the manual, it doesn't turn on. What do you do?

Don't wait until you are frustrated about a problem with your spa to

ask questions about the warranty. A warranty is a sign from the

company that they intend to respect and help you with their product,

and it should be simple and easy to understand the terms.

This is a crucial, yet often an overlooked part of the buying process. After all the

money, preparation and time you've invested, you will want a simple process and a

simple solution to any problems that may come up.

If possible, compare warranties of different hot tubs you are considering. If you need

a service that falls under the service warranty, does your dealer have the expertise to

assist you in getting it?

By all means, call the manufacturer before you buy a hot tub and ask

questions about their warranty. This will provide the added benefit

of being able to see how quickly you can speak to someone who can

help you, before you actually need to.




Conclusion

You will get the information you need to make an informed decision when buying

your hot tub and make your experience less overwhelming by asking these 7

questions before making your purchase.

The right spa dealer will help you make the best choice for you and your family.

When you make an educated decision you will save time, money, and have peace of

mind. Come visit us today and find out how we can be of service to you!

About Us

Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities has been the leader of Hot Spring

Portable Spas since 1983. Our Company has always believed in offering the

highest quality products and service available.

In 1968, entrepreneur Paul Schaben started the company. As he traveled around

the area, he preferred to stay at hotels that offered a spa to help him soothe his

arthritic hip that he injured as a teenager on the farm. Loving the true health

benefits that warm water and jet action provided his body, Paul felt that if there

was ever a spa that could be delivered to your home and set up in less than a day

that would be awesome. For in the early days of spas everything had to be

assembled piece by piece, it took months to build and it was a very expensive

endeavour to undertake.




Just like you, Paul began his search for the right spa. He researched the market

thoroughly for several years before he ultimately chose the brand he felt

comfortable with. That brand was Hot Spring Portable Spas, and in 1983 Paul was

so impressed with his spa that he wanted everyone to enjoy the same health

benefits he was enjoying and became a dealer for Hot Spring Portable Spas.

Paul always said nothing gave him greater satisfaction than to see the smile on the

face of his customers, and the stories they would share with him on how their Hot

Spring Spa improved their lifestyles.

Today, with over 12,000 Hot Spring Spa customers, throughout Iowa and

Minnesota we truly are the Midwest’s Premier, Full Service Company that

specializes in spas and proud to name our stores after the brand we offer.

We staff our own service and delivery teams and provide Certified Pre-owned Spas

as well as great service programs for our customers. We are family owned and

operated with Paul’s family overseeing day to day operations. Our goal is to make

every customers experience in the showroom and at their home the most enjoyable,

after all, we all want to feel good!

We are looking forward to the opportunity to make you a part of the Hot Spring Spas

of Iowa and Minnesota family with the hundreds of other satisfied customers.

Sincerely,

Thad Schaben

HotSpring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota

651-731-9745

[email protected]

http://HotSpringGreen.com





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