One of the main reasons people install a spa at home is for relaxation yet finding the right home spa can be tricky. With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the selection and end up with a product that doesn’t fit your needs.
Spa vs Hot Tub…Is there a Difference?
Although the terms are often conflated, a hot tub and a spa are still very different things. Ideally, a spa is a hot tub with several jets and chairs that is built similarly to a regular pool, whether it is underground or above ground.
Spas may accommodate more people and are larger than hot tubs.
Think about the types of features that will help you relax the most
Besides being a great place to relax with a drink or a romantic partner, hot tubs are great for your health as well. The use of hydrotherapy can improve circulation, relax you, and relieve stress.
In some cases, spas are equipped for stationary swimming and are therefore categorized as exercise hot tubs or swim spas.
It can be a lot of fun to choose a hot tub for your house, whether it’s for entertainment, exercise, family time, or romantic getaways.
Just as with any major purchase, choosing the right spa requires sorting through a number of options and improvements. Read on for some tips to finding the right spa for you.
Consider your budget
Any large purchase normally offers the choice of upgrading from the base model or just choosing the deluxe.
Extras can rapidly add up, but being aware of your spending limits and the level of luxury you require to enjoy a hot tub to its fullest will ensure you get everything you want with fewer surprises and the need to forego features.
Consider hot tubs online and make a list of your needs and wants before visiting the sales floors to look at the possibilities.
Why?
If you already know about the colorful mood lighting, the best built-in audio system, and the waterfall features in advance, it can be simpler to say “no” if adding these features would cause you to go over budget.
Basic models offer hydrotherapy benefits, which may be all you’re looking for.
However, if you really want the whole sensory experience for entertainment and enjoyment, set aside money for the bells and whistles that will make your hot tub precisely what you want it to be.
Size
Whether you picture a cozy tub constructed for two, an eight-person party, or a family-sized model, the size of the tub is an important factor to take into account.
Although it might be simpler and less expensive to operate a smaller spa, if you intend to expand your family or want to bring friends over to share the waters, make sure there is space for at least four people.
If you entertain frequently or have kids who want to share the tub with friends, purchasing a large tub for six or eight people would be excellent.
However, do the math first and factor in ongoing maintenance costs into the purchase of the tub.
Type
Hot tubs are undoubtedly romantic and relaxing for the majority of people, but they can also play a significant role in physical recovery or low-impact workouts.
Today’s spas frequently have a longer, lap-pool shape and function as a sort of swimming treadmill for doing laps while still standing.
A hot tub is excellent for physical therapy if the shape is long or wide enough, whether circular, irregular, or rectangular, because it offers resistance for increasing or maintaining muscle strength and some jet pulse to promote circulation and prevent or relieve tense muscles.
Additionally, there are two different spa types to take into account: in-ground and above-ground.
Self-contained above-ground units are common. They contain all of the connectors and pumps required for startup. You can customize many in-ground and some above-ground models with separate parts if they lack built-in components.
You can get assistance from a trustworthy dealer in sorting out the expenses and possibilities and figuring out what will work best in your yard.
Comfort
It is best to test out hot tubs when they are working and filled with water, if at all possible. When stretched out or seated, a hot tub shell that seems comfortable and well-suited for your height will feel very different than it does when you’re buoyant and more weightless.
To determine how each seat will feel for you and how it will feel when shared with others, try it out, moving away from each mold and curve.
For instance, check to see if the tub is spacious enough or if there is too much knee-to-knee contact and not enough space for your arms to spread out along the side.
Although it may seem like “the more jets the better,” placement and effectiveness of the water jets are more crucial than jet force.
To find out if you’ll have to experience a jet every time you sit down, check the positioning and walk around a lot! Comfort may be a concern if they prod you constantly, but check to be sure there is enough strength to massage your muscles and achieve the full effect you desire, and that the settings are programmable and simple to control.
Efficiency
If something is too difficult to use or maintain, even the most delightful extras or luxuries may not be used. Hot tubs require effort, but with advanced planning, they can be incredibly cost-effective to maintain and use.
Spas require both water and electricity, so picking the right pump for the size of the tub is crucial, as is picking the proper size for your intended spending limit.
An eight-person in-ground tub, for example, will cost more to heat and power than a two-person above-ground tub, but if you require the larger model, you may be able to save a lot of money depending on the decisions you make before construction.
Researching greener options prior to shopping can help you save money and time in the long run because many models include mechanical elements and materials that are energy-efficient and can save you time and money.
Ready to dive in?
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