Top Questions to Ask When Buying Your Hot Tub

Buying a hot tub is an investment in your quality of life. Crossing your t’s and dotting your i’s during the purchase process gives you peace of mind and plenty of hassle-free years of relaxation.

Whether you’ve bought a hot tub before, or you’re a first-time buyer, it’s good practice to write down your requirements and the limitations of your space. Share this with your dealer or retailer so you can find a model that works for you.

There are a few crucial questions to ask as you browse.

1. What are the electrical requirements of the hot tub?

There are two common variants in terms of electrical requirements – tubs with a 13-amp requirement (also called plug-and-play tubs) which can run on a simple three-pin connection. These are lighter on the wallet but come with a few limitations that you’ll have to live with. For instance, these tubs tend to have just one jet pump, and the heater and the jet pump will not be able to run at the same time. Many customers are happy to live with these limitations as the tubs are economical and still give you a lovely, warm soak. 

A tub that runs on a 32-amp connection will need a larger cable as well as a specific power supply, the costs incurred will also be significantly higher. However, with this tub, you will have two jet pumps as well as a circulation pump to use. There won’t be a restriction on using the pump and the heater together either.

A qualified electrician will be able to assess which model is best suited for your space. Get this assessment before your tub comes home so you have a space that is ready for it. Additionally, factor in the ongoing power consumption of the hot tub.

2. How well is the tub insulated?

Insulation helps keep the temperature of the water steadier for longer, so a well-insulated tub reduces your power consumption. You shouldn’t have to buy extra insulation, the model you choose should have enough on its own.

Those models with full-foam insulation ensure maximum heat retention. Another form of insulation uses reflective thermal blankets. These are positioned on the panels of your tub to reflect the heat back in.

Several models available in the market today use a basic shell spray foam which reduces heat loss. Sometimes, these are even used in combination with reflective blankets.

It makes sense to get the best insulation for your hot tub in order to reduce power consumption, running costs and the environmental impact.

3. What guidance will I receive on daily use and upkeep, especially with regard to the chemical balance?

This is an important question to ask, especially if you’re buying your tub online. Like any machine, your hot tub needs good daily upkeep so it lasts longer, It’s best to get this information directly from the retailer or dealer. Nothing beats a live demonstration and guidance on the use and maintenance of your tub.

At Sutton Spas, we are very particular about giving people a masterclass on maintaining their tub. We also explain the mixing and use of hot tub chemicals. Customers can also call us further down the line to have their questions answered or book a maintenance service. Look for strong support from your dealer so you can get assistance and support even years down the line.

4. What is the warranty and who is responsible for fulfilling its terms?

The term ‘warranty’ is often loosely mentioned and many customers make the mistake of not reading the fine print. Take the time to understand exactly what the warranty covers so when the time comes for your hot tub to be fixed or serviced, you don’t end up out of pocket.

There are generally two types of warranties:

• Parts only
• Warranty with parts and labour included

For a ‘parts only’ warranty, the manufacturer replaces the necessary parts, and the retailer or dealer generally will not have a role to play in fulfilling of this warranty. Unless you are confident about being able to change the parts yourself, it would be better to opt for the full warranty which includes parts and labour. You should also remember to ask how long the warranty is for and if any of the parts are excluded.

5. Where is the spa manufactured?

During the COVID lockdown, there was an increase in demand for hot tubs and some unscrupulous sellers took advantage of this. They sourced hot tubs from overseas and sold them at cheap prices without doing their due diligence on the quality of the tubs. Once they’ve sold their lot, they disappear leaving you without any support in terms of service or warranty.

We do recommend that you deal with retailers who have had a good reputation for years and whose products you can test out in person. Try before you buy so you can assess the quality first hand.

Our RotoSpa tubs are made right here in the United Kingdom. You can even visit our outlets, take your time to test out the tubs before you decide on the purchase.

6. What accessories will I receive with the tub and which ones can be purchased?

Accessories like music systems make your tubbing experience more enjoyable, while others like a hot tub cover or a cover lifter are more functional in nature. Most hot tubs are accompanied by a basic accessory kit that will help you with upkeep. In terms of cost, understand how many accessories are included in the sale price and how many will need to be bought at extra cost.

Find your ideal spa pool at Sutton Spas

With over 75 years of combined experience in this industry, we are confident that we can find the right tub for you. Besides finding your ideal tub, we invite you to try it out at our showroom before completing your purchase.  

Our support doesn’t end there, we back up every sale with customer support. Our team of BISHTA approved engineers will take you through maintenance and operation. We also offer a maintenance service to ensure your tub is in excellent working condition. Call us on 0121 827 1868 for enquiries.