Hot tubs are a hot commodity. Not only do they give you a place to relax and unwind with a cold beer at the end of a hard day, but chicks dig them. Whether you want a place to unwind, or romance, there are a number of things you need to take into consideration before you buy a hot tub.
Either way you decide to go, portable or in-ground, hot tubs are great for entertaining. You’ll want to think about size, not only in accordance with your alloted space, but by seating capacity. If you’re planning to host a lot of hot tub parties, a four to six seater will be far more expensive than a two seat hot tub. On the other hand, a larger hot tub will also give you room to stretch out even when you’re by yourself
First and foremost, you need to make sure you have a private, secure place to set your hot tub up. If you have a spacious yard, you may want to consider an in-ground hot tub near your deck. Make sure it won’t be located under low-hanging trees, especially if they drop a lot of leaves. If you live in an apartment complex, but have a spacious, private porch, make sure the flooring is secure enough to withstand the weight. Concrete surfaces are recommended, as most hot tubs weight around 5000 pounds once filled with water. You’ll want to talk it over with your landlord before diving in, as he may want to have a look at the area himself to make sure his property and the tenants below don’t wind up soaking in hot water.
Once you have a good place to set up and you know what you want, it’s time to start shopping. While a lot of guys don’t enjoy the shopping process, getting out and comparing products and prices is an important part of buying a hot tub. There are a number of things you need to take into consideration when searching for the perfect hot tub. When you’re shopping, you should also be prepared to do some physical testing, so make sure you’re wearing your swim trunks for a full demonstration
Find out what type of regular maintenance each hot tub requires, and whether it is heated through gas or electricity. If you don’t have a gas line, and you choose a gas powered hot tub, you will need to make arrangements with your local gas company for a hook-up. No matter how it is heated, you will also need to make sure it is adequately insulated. A well-insulated hot tub will save you money, as the heat won’t escape when the hot tub is not in use. .
Before your new hot tub is delivered, you’ll want to get things set up and ready. This will include testing your preferred area for safety. You may even want to install a concrete base to keep a portable hot tub level. Make arrangements with the gas company, and consider hiring a professional electrician to help you run an electrical line safely to the location. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, so unless you feel 100% certain in your ability to run the wiring, it’s best to have a professional do the work for you.
If you don’t feel comfortable assembling the hot tub yourself, and making sure it is fully connected to the plumbing in all the right places, ask the company you’re buying from if they do installation. A professional installation will guarantee that everything is set up properly, so you aren’t forced to drain your hot tub to fix a minor mistake.
Once you’re sure everything is in order, it’s time to fill your hot tub. Fill to the recommended capacity, and turn the hot tub on. You’ll want to allow the water to warm up before adding chemicals. Follow all manufacturer instructions when adding chemicals, as each hot tub will be different. Regular chemical maintenance is required to keep the water in your hot tub healthy, clean and clear. Testing and balancing the water pH often will assure that you don’t accidentally chemical burn your skin, or wind up with unhealthy growth in the water.
It may seem like a lot of work to get your hot tub up and running, but it’s worth it, and you’ll be reaping the relaxation benefits in no time!
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