Thanks to technological improvements and an increasingly competitive marketplace, hot tubs and spas have become more and more viable for the average homeowner. An incredible range of products is available, from standard dual-jet self-cleaning hot tubs to luxurious and spacious swim spas.
If you're wondering about hot tubs and trying to navigate the competing claims of the different spa manufacturers, you first need to find a balance between your budget and the features you want. Your intended usage of the spa will help you narrow things down, too; there's no reason to pony up thousands of dollars for a 10-seat hot tub if you rarely entertain.
Most hot tub manufacturers produce a significant range of products, with entry-level models offering basic features and higher-end hot tubs and spas adding premium luxuries to the mix. At minimum, you should expect even the most basic hot tub to offer multiple jet styles, programming capabilities, self-cleaning filtration and ergonomic seating.
Luxury features include multiple air controls and massage selectors, which offer precision control over the jet pressure, as well as hydromassage capabilities, support moldings and seating for up to 12 people or more. In addition, most hot tub manufacturers allow consumers to customize their spas to add additional features or fine-tune standard ones according to their preferences.
Before you shop, you should have a specific idea of the type of spa you're looking for – otherwise, you could find yourself overwhelmed by the options available to you. To help you navigate the competing claims of various manufacturers, you should shop with these guidelines in mind: