Shopping for your new spa can be a trying and confusing time if you do not know some facts and do a little research. First you should know what type of spa you are looking for. There are two general types; self contained hot tubs and non self contained hot tubs. With self contained hot tubs the heating, electrical, and filtration system are on the outside cabinet of the spa. Self contained spas are intended to be installed above the ground and these are not permanent and can be moved. Non self contained spas are permanently installed in the ground and can not be moved or re-installed any where else. Sometimes these spa types are found in combination along with a built in pool. All of the systems on these units are placed away from the spa.
Once you have determined the type of spa you want, it is time to talk size. Determine whether the spa is just going to be for you and your spouse, in which case a two to four person spa will work out great! If there is going to be more people using the spa at the same time, you should consider a six or eight person spa for the accommodation. Remember that the bigger the spa is, the more it will cost not just to purchase but also to operate, maintain, and keep clean. A small two person spa will generally cost you around four or five thousand dollars and a six person tub can run roughly nine or ten thousand dollars.
Try to choose a spa that is easy to repair and that uses standard parts, because this step may save you significantly later on. Some spas may say exclusive in their name or as a brand advertisement, and this means these models may cost more to repair later on because of the higher price of exclusive parts available only from the manufacturer. Stay away from spas that are completely packed with foam around the plumbing system. The pipes and wires should have a layer of insulation and the cabinet of the spa should not be filled completely. This will make repairs easier and less expensive by being able to have a clearer area to work in.
The spa material is an important consideration. Spas can come in fiberglass, acrylic, wood, vinyl, and other materials. The first spas were fiberglass or wood, but now spas are available made from an acrylic resin, because the care and upkeep is easier than with fiberglass or wood. The most durable spa is one that is made with acrylic which is backed by vinyl ester bonding resin and fiberglass that is hand rolled and also includes glass cloth. Spas made from these materials will last longer and require much less maintenance and upkeep for the tub itself. Acrylic also offers the advantage of having seats that are contoured to fit the body shape, instead of just flat seats. You should choose a model that has flat areas on the upper surface if you want to be able to set down drinks and other items. Some spas have an upper shell that is curved, and this can be uncomfortable to sit on as well as impossible to set your glass on. It is also a good idea to choose a model that has seating on different levels, so you can come out of the water partially and cool off when the heat gets too intense.
Spas can be a very relaxing feature of your home, and they have some medical benefits as well, such as warming and relaxing your body while eliminating stress. Before you buy a new spa for your home, try it out! Almost all spa showrooms usually offer their models already set up and ready to use. Go to the showroom and take a soak, as this will help you determine whether that model is for you or not. Make sure you wear a bathing suit when you visit so that you can climb in and feel all the features the same as you would feel at home. Do not let a salesman pressure you into buying if you are not ready or are unsure about a particular model. If you start being pressured by the sales person, simply leave and take your business to another spa dealer. Do not be rushed into buying a spa because of sales pressure. This is a big investment and your goal is to get your ideal spa for the best purchased price possible.
Make sure any contract you sign outlines all the details, including any delivery and installation, as well as any fees and warranties. This will help protect your interests. If you decide that a new spa is not in your budget right now, look around for a used one in new condition. Keep in mind, this option only applies to self contained spas, because they can be moved and installed on a new site, while non self contained spas are permanently installed and can not be moved.
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