Summer is only a few weeks ago and like millions of other Americans, you’re probably excited about jumping into the pool and enjoying the sunlight. Or, if you’d like a more relaxing experience, maybe a hot tub is the way to go. Here’s what you need to know before you start shopping around for a spa.
Size
Spas can seat anywhere from two to four people, to over seven people. The more people you’d like to have in your spa, the bigger the spa will be and the more space you’ll need.
Hot Tub Size Ranges
Small (2-4 people): 5’4”-7” long by 5’4”-6’8” wide and 29”-35” high
Medium (5-6 people): 6’6”-7’9” long by 6’4”-7’9” wide and 33”-38.5” high
Large (7+ people): 7’-9’ long by 7’-9’2” wide and 36”-38” high
Indoor vs. outdoor
Most hot tubs are placed outdoors on a patio, porch, or deck, which is great for hot summer days. If you’d like to enjoy your spa year-round, an indoor spa might be a better option.
Electrical requirements
Standard hot tubs require a 120-volt outlet. 240V spas heat faster and stay hot longer, but they require a special setup that requires hiring an electrician to take care of the wiring.
Material
The spa shell material can be made of acrylic, roto-cast polymer, vinyl, or wood. An acrylic shell offers greater comfort and form-fitting seating and can range in price from a few thousand dollars to over $15,000.
Like acrylic spas, resin spas have loungers and lighting packages, but have fewer jets and come at a lower price. Vinyl soft tubs and blow-up spas are a short-term option and don’t offer much of a massage.
Jets and Pumps
Jets that mix water and air offer the highest quality massage. Avoid spas that have too many jets as this causes decreased pressure and higher energy expenditure.
Spas should have a balanced jet to horsepower ratio for optimal efficiency and jet strength. Avoid spas that have too many pumps and incredibly high horsepower. This will lead to high energy expenditure as well.
Stereo, lighting and water features
If you’d like to take the spa experience to the highest level, then a few options to consider include audio, lighting systems and cool water features. Take the time to shop around to find the best price.
Warranty and support
Most new spas come with a warranty and buyers should find out the details before making a purchase decision.
If you’re in the market for a spa, don’t hesitate to call Blue Apple Electric for spa model recommendations and installation.