Adding a hot tub to your home is an exciting prospect, but it is also one that requires a fair amount of due diligence and research. You’ll want to make sure that you get the best possible return on your investment, and that requires learning a bit about what to look for in the hot tub of your dreams. To help you out, we’ve created the following comprehensive guide to all you need to know when you’re on the hunt for a hot tub.

The Essential Components of a High-Quality Hot Tub

All hot tubs are not created equal, which means the best one for you may not be the best one for someone else. With that said, take a look at these essential elements to form a better idea of what you should be looking for when shopping spas:

Brand

Just as it is with practically any product, certain brands are just a notch (or several) above the rest when it comes to hot tubs. That’s not to say that you won’t get plenty of enjoyment out of any hot tub you choose — a hot tub is still a hot tub, after all — but there is an undoubtedly distinct difference between an average brand and the cream of the crop. 

Budget constraints may limit your options when it comes to choosing your spa, of course, but even if that is the case, opting for lower-end models from brands like Nordic™, CalSpas® Jacuzzi® and Sundance® Spas can oftentimes be a better choice than going for a mid-to-higher-end model from a less reputable manufacturer.

Size

Every spa owner is going to have their own unique size requirements, and careful consideration of yours can be incredibly useful in helping you make the right selection. If you ultimately decide that you won’t need all that much space in your tub, then you can save yourself a lot of money while acquiring a superior quality spa. 

On the other hand, if you choose a spa that, while flashy, doesn’t quite have the room you need, you’ll likely be significantly reducing the quality of your spa experience. Always make sure to run the numbers before making a final purchase.

Seating

The number of seats is one important element to consider, but you’ll want to consider the style of those seats as well. Lounge seats are designed for optimal individual enjoyment, as they provide extra space and jet exposure. Open seats, on the other hand, are designed for maximum occupancy, which can prove critical for anyone who prioritizes the social experience of a spa above all else.

man is relaxing in hot tub

Jet Type

High-quality jets can make a tremendous difference in any spa, and even though any old jet might provide some decent hydrotherapy, the best of the best can offer a whole new level of relaxation and relief. Look for top-of-the-line jets like the Fluidix® from Sundance® Spas and PowerPro® from Jacuzzi®, and you’ll be setting yourself up for an unmatched hot tub experience.

Water Care System

Regular maintenance is typically the less glamorous side of spa ownership, but it is absolutely crucial if you want to enjoy your time soaking. Fortunately, there are ways to drastically reduce your water care responsibilities, namely, a high-quality water care system.   

Jacuzzi® J400 with hot tub filter open - Galaxy Home Recreation explains how to change your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Filter

The CLEARRAY® system is one of the best water care systems on the market. It makes use of UV-C light and ozone to eliminate contaminants and bacteria from your water, so you can worry less about doing it yourself.

Stop in for a Wet Test

You can know all the ins and outs of a hot tub, but if you’ve never soaked in a particular model, then it can be pretty tricky to figure out whether you should invest in it. 

At Galaxy Home Recreation, we offer wet tests on our hot tubs so you can get a firsthand feel for the model that interests you. Stop by and hop in, and when you’ve got a sense of what it might be like to own that particular spa, you can ask our specialists any questions that might help you make the best decision.

Hot Tubs From Galaxy Home Recreation

When you’re ready to start shopping for the hot tub of your dreams, reach out to Galaxy Home Recreation, and we’ll be happy to help you in any way we can! In the meantime, you can also check out these other helpful resources: Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide and Hot Tub Builder.