Tips on selecting the right hot tub for you!

The benefits of hydrotherapy, or “water healing,” have been recognized since the ancient civilizations of Rome, Greece, and Japan. Today, we are lucky because we can enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy in our own homes—no need to locate a hot spring! Relaxing in a hot tub after a strenuous day can release muscle tension, renew energy, and provide much needed “me time.”
We understand that the purchase of a hot tub requires careful thought, so we have put together a short list of questions to help you through the process.

1. Size of Tub and Placement? There are many points to consider when answering this question, keep these in mind:

• Are you going to be using it inside or outside?
• If your answer is inside: Is there enough room to move the hot tub to where you want it? And is there enough ventilation in your room?
• If your answer is outside: What is the access like where you want to put it? Can you reach it easily?
• How many people will really be using the tub, the majority of the time?

It’s best to buy a tub that will fit your regular, daily needs and not buy one for that once-a-year family picnic! We all tend to think big; but bigger may not be better. Hot tubbing tends to be a fairly intimate activity.
2. 120 volt vs. 220 volt? The answer to this question will impact your initial installation costs and your ongoing monthly costs.
220 volt questions:

• How much will it cost per month to operate the hot tub, on average?  Look for energy-efficient models.
• What is the cost to have 220 volt power run from my electrical junction box to the hot tub?
• What other charges will I be responsible for? Items like quick disconnects, grounding rods, GFCI breakers, and so on need to be figured in.
• Does the dealership do this or will I need to hire a licensed electrician? Does the dealer work with someone that they trust and recommend for this service?
• Do I have room on my electrical panel to add a minimum 50amp, 220v power outlet?

120 volt questions:

• How much will it cost per month to operate the hot tub, on average?
• Can I run the jets and the heater at the same time? Hot tubs that heat with a traditional heater element cannot run both the jets and the heater at the same time; there simply isn’t enough power! This can lead to significant cooling down of the hot tub water during use in cold weather conditions.
• Will I need a dedicated 20amp circuit—and how much will that cost—or do I already have one?
• Will I need to install a GFCI outlet or is it an inherent part of the tub?

3. What is the Length of Time the Manufacturer and Dealer Has Been in Business?

• Will the manufacturer and my dealer be around if I require any warranty work and how is that handled?
• Do they have a service center or is the work performed by a third party?
• Are they ‘IN’ the hot tub business, or is it just a sideline for them?

4. Should I buy from a Specialty Retailer or a Big Box Store?

• “Big box” retailers typically carry off-brands or stripped down versions of larger manufacturers. Choices are limited and the wait for service can be very long. Also, they are more likely to offer no service. The lower price paid initially could cost you far more down the road.
• Most Hot Tub owners who’ve purchased from a reputable dealer say that their spa purchase was one of the best investments they’ve ever made. Choose a credible, qualified, expert hot tub retailer to ensure you get the right hot tub for your needs. After all, you want to experience relaxation and comfort in your own backyard…not stress.

5. How important is Portability?

• Hot tubs are often advertised as being portable when, in all practicality, that’s just not true. Most hard tubs weigh between 400-900 pounds, making them difficult to move yourself. They are also hard to relocate when you move: think about your lifestyle and if something more permanent fits into it.
• If you are like most people, you will find that over time you’ll want to change up the look of your backyard or deck. A portable model may be a good choice, especially if you want to use it inside during the winter and outside during the summer.

6.  What features do I want?

• If you decide something more permanent is the right fit, then you will want to consider what features are important to you.  Our hot tubs offer a myriad of choices like strategically placed specialty jets, physician designed seating for ultimate comfort, LED lighting and built-in stereos.  All our hot tubs also offer sanitization systems that are designed to minimize the amount of chemicals you need for greater ease of maintenance and bather enjoyment.
• Take a Test Soak! There’s no better way to decide if a particular model is right for you than to sit in it! We offer after-hours test soaks so you can try it out before you buy.

We hope these questions will help you decide which company and model best suits your needs. At Pettis, we have been selling Hot Tubs since 1982; when they were just a “fad” those strange people in California were into! Our longevity means we really know the hot tub business. With models and price ranges that suit any budget, we hope to have the opportunity to help you get “into hot water.”