Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
2 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
If you’re in the market for a new hot tub, but you’re not exactly sure how to choose
the best model to fit your needs, you’re not alone. Shoppers are often excited about
the prospects of buying a fantastic new hot tub, only to be overwhelmed and
frustrated when faced with the sheer number and variety of incredible spas that are
available.
What types of features should you be looking for? Is there really a difference
between seating options, and what makes one style better than another? With
literally hundreds of incredible models on display and countless different features
to choose from, smart buyers understand the importance of shopping with a plan.
A hot tub is an exciting investment for sure, but one that you should make in full
confidence. When performance, style and a great value work together, the right hot
tub can bring years of family fun, entertainment and improved health to friends and
loved ones.
In an effort to make your purchasing process easier, we’ve collected a few of the
most important tips to create the Smart Buyer’s Guide – a plan for helping you
choose a hot tub that exceeds your expectations. Ready to get started?
Understand Why You Want a Hot Tub –
Hydrotherapy, Relaxation or Fun?
Buying a hot tub to relieve back pain or help control the symptoms of type 2
diabetes is quite different than looking for a party tub to enjoy with friends and
family on weekends. While there are tremendous health benefits to be gained from
soaking in any kind of hot tub, deciding ahead of time why you want to buy will
help you make important decisions during the selection process. Improved health,
entertainment, relaxation and family fun are just a few of the reasons why people
invest; why do you want a hot tub?
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
3 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
Hydrotherapy and Health - If your main
goal with an in-home hot tub is pain relief
or improved health overall, you’ll probably
want to look at models that make the most
of hydrotherapy.
While any hot tub filled with warm,
massaging water is soothing, the right jet
configurations and seating arrangement will
maximize your experience while the wrong one will disappoint.
For some, a quick soak in the morning can provide instant relief from painful
arthritis. For others, a dip in the evening with soothing lights means reduced stress.
Entertainment and Fun - On the other end of the spectrum, there are plenty of
families and single professionals who appreciate the fantastic entertainment
opportunities that come from owning a hot tub.
If your vision is less about improved health and more about entertainment, the
right hot tub can become a focal point for year round fun – but your shopping
strategy needs to reflect this. Modern hot tubs come equipped with all kinds of
innovative entertainment options, like surround sound, waterproof LCD television
screens and more.
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
4 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
The point is, whether you have hydrotherapy, improved health or entertainment as
a primary goal, your vision of the perfect tub is likely to look very different from
someone else’s. Smart shopping means thinking through specifically how you
intend to use the tub, and narrowing your choices to those tubs that will enhance
your experience the most.
Knowing ahead of time exactly what you want and what you expect to do in your
hot tub – thinking through your motivations for hot tub ownership, will make it
easier to browse, and ultimately easier to choose the perfect model to suit your
needs and lifestyle.
Size, Shape and Seating
Now that you’ve thought about exactly why you want a hot tub, it’s time to choose
the size, shape and seating that best fits your lifestyle. Again, there are plenty of
models with equally impressive features to suit your needs, but thinking through
size, shape and seating before you buy, will make it easier to enjoy the perfect hot
tub experience.
Size - Luckily, hot tubs are available in all
kinds of different sizes, from small and
compact to large, oversized party tubs.
And because more people can afford an in
home hot tub, ownership has become
more popular than ever.
However, shopping for the ideal size hot
tub can be tricky, and it’s tough not to
find very compelling reasons why you need the largest tub available.
Here’s the tip – don’t let the excitement of seeing a few fantastic models on the
showroom floor distract you from being realistic about the size hot tub that’s most
appropriate for your lifestyle and budget.
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
5 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
How do you decide on the right size? While it’s important to think about how
much available space you have, it’s equally important to consider who will be
using the hot tub the most. Is it just you and a spouse or do you anticipate
entertaining an extended family? Answering these questions honestly will help you
choose the most appropriate size hot tub without breaking a sweat.
Shape - Choosing the ideal hot tub shape is a
little more subjective, although you still need
to take space limitations into consideration.
Will the hot tub need to be placed in the corner
or do you have more flexibility with
placement?
While you can’t put a square peg into a round hole, there is quite a bit of room for
finding something a little more interesting than a square hot tub. In fact, even with
unique design elements, even compact models can be interesting, making it fun to
look at the options.
Seating - The most appropriate seating arrangement for your hot tub really has
everything to do with intended use. In other words, you wouldn’t want to waste
time looking at tubs with high performance
loungers when you intend on entertaining groups
of people at once.
On the other hand, if the sole purpose of using
the hot tub is to provide relief for an aching back
and stiff joints, and you live alone, a high
performance lounger may be just the right
choice.
Think realistically about how you plan on using the tub, and with whom. Some of
the most comfortable seating options are also the best when it comes to personal
massage, and it pays to explore all of your options.
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
6 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
Think through your goal with hot tub ownership, and when it’s time to make a
choice, you’ll have a better idea what you’re looking for, whether it’s ergonomic,
contoured seats, benches or performance loungers.
Explore Jet Types and Variety
After you select size, shape and seating style, it’s
time to consider jet types. Remember, the type of
jets the manufacturer offers and the type you
select will directly impact your hot tub experience.
First time buyers are often hoodwinked into
thinking that more jets equal a better spa
experience.
This is simply not the case, and jet placement is far more important than the
number of jets present in the hot tub. Knowing this makes it much easier to
compare hot tubs for performance without getting sidetracked on how many jets
are actually in the tub.
Jet Configuration Is Key - Full body, targeted massage is one of the main
characteristics of a fantastic hot tub experience – and the right jets in the right
places make this a reality. How the jets and seat configurations work together is
critical – sometimes referred to as “hot tub circuit therapy”.
Hot tubs that emphasize circuit therapy allow
you to move from seat to seat while powerful
jets target different major muscle groups for a
full body, high performance massage.
You also want to consider how easy it is to
switch out jets as your needs change. Some spa
manufacturers make individual interchangeable
jets while others have interchangeable jet packs for your convenience.
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
7 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
Whether you want focused therapy for stress relief, calm and relaxing or deep
relief for serious aches and pains, a hot tub with the right jet configurations will
have you covered.
Selecting Hot Tub Features to Fit Your Lifestyle
With the perfect hot tub size, shape, seats
and jet configurations considered, the next
thing to think about pre-purchase is features.
Today’s hot tubs are jam packed with some
of the most innovative features imaginable
offering freedom, flexibility and modern
convenience that up until just a few years
ago, was impossible. Here are a few of the
most common design and use features that you may want to think about ahead of
time.
Interior Shell Color - The color choice on the inside of your spa shell may not
seem like an important detail. However, you’ll likely be using your investment for
some time and the color will not change.
Choose a color that you like, as you’ll see it every time you take a dip. While color
selections are varied, it’s best to stick to conservative tones and colors that soothe,
promoting a relaxing experience.
Exterior Cabinet Color - For exterior design, cabinet colors are available in dark
wood (think espresso), grays, burnt orange etc. Coordinating hot tub cabinetry with
your current décor is easy, and the perfect way to create a relaxing focal point with
aesthetic appeal in any space.
Interior and Exterior Lighting - When it comes to creating a memorable hot tub
experience, great design is everything. The right interior and exterior lighting for
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
8 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
example can add to your experience by fostering calming effects that promote
relaxation. Plus, LED illumination is incredibly fun in the hot tub!
Entertainment Options: TV, Stereo - Why not consider some really fun features
like LED television or surround sound? When
you’ve budgeted carefully, and there is room for
a few extras, entertainment options can be
exciting.
Modern hot tubs are equipped with all kinds of
innovative entertainment features, giving you
endless possibilities for family fun and
entertaining spa-side.
Hot Tub Cover Lifters - Finally, another great feature that’s worth considering is a
hot tub cover lifter. Cover lifters are a smart, practical way to make using your hot
tub more convenient, but they also save on wear and tear, which saves you money
long-term.
Decide Before You Shop – The Importance of Budgeting
Although last on our list, setting a realistic budget ahead of time will save you
time, energy and maybe even a few dollars. Shopping with a dollar figure in mind
makes it easier to browse models which
are your in range, but also gives you an
easy way to factor in those extras that
you really want.
Unless you have an unlimited budget,
choosing the perfect spa will ultimately
come down to price and what is
important to you. This can sometimes
mean compromise.
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
9 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
Don’t think of budgeting in negative terms, but rather, a better way to prioritize.
For instance, if hot tub size is more important to you than the number of jets, then
you can make the appropriate trade-off.
On the other hand, if your primary goal is ensuring the best hydrotherapy
experience, then a smaller tub with interchangeable jet packs or hot tub circuit
therapy may be your best bet. Thinking through a realistic budget ahead of time
will make it much easier to identify and make compromise as needed.
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
10 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
In Summary
A hot tub is an investment – a purchase that’s sure to bring years of fun,
entertainment and improved health to family and friends. With the right guidance,
tips and inside information, choosing the right model and features should be easy,
not frustrating. Taking time before you buy to think through your motivations with
hot tub ownership will help you identify the appropriate size, shape and seating
arrangement to fit your needs and lifestyle best.
Whether you’re interested in hydrotherapy for pain relief, spa-bathing for fun or
simply a relaxing place to enjoy friends and family, planning your purchase is a
smart, practical way to ensure you find the one hot tub that will exceed your
expectations. Finally, never underestimate the importance of pre-purchase
budgeting. A realistic budget will help you make important compromises when
browsing for the one perfect hot tub with the great features you need to create the
memorable, exciting spa experience you want and deserve.
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
11 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
About Us
Ace Hardware & Hearth and Ace Home & Leisure are owned by Pete and Michele
Peterson. With three stores in Maryland, they supply seasonal products such as
fireplaces, stoves, venting, wood, pellets, water-conditioning salt, hot tubs, birder
supplies, pool chemicals, fertilizers and other commodities. While many hardware
stores are now gone, Ace continues to flourish thanks to its hardworking associates
and loyal customers.
Ace proudly supports many local youth activities, community events and projects
such as the Tate Cancer Center and the North Arundel Hospital Emergency
Department. Ace loves to support the communities that support them. Ace is also
involved in donations to many local, regional, national and international charities.
Ace Hardware & Hearth and Ace Home & Leisure are on the leading edge of
today’s technology. Affiliated with Ace Hardware and a dealer owned co-op, we
have the ability to make available many cutting-edge programs. The Helpful
Hardware Club, an Ace customer loyalty program, rewards purchases at our stores
with quarterly rebate checks, super coupons, in store specials, special sale
offerings, and timely information on current home products.
“The mission of the Ace team is to satisfy the customer.” When something goes
other than the way it was planned, we do everything in our power to make it right.
You have the Ace promise on that!
Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
12 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
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Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub
13 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com
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