Will I Actually Use a Hot Tub?

Are you considering getting a hot tub? Is the main question holding you back from committing to the purchase, “Will I actually use a hot tub?” A hot tub is not simply a recreational or entertainment feature for your backyard or deck. It is an investment in your present and future wellness. If you are going to get your money’s worth out of a hot tub, it is essential that you choose the right hot tub for your lifestyle and needs. Fronheiser Pools wants to list some of the many considerations you should think about before making that investment. Let’s look at some important factors to consider before selecting the hot tub that you will actually use regularly.   

Hot Tub Benefits that Will Have You Using It Regularly

Bathing in warm water has been a practice people have followed for centuries to treat a long list of conditions. Nowadays we call it “hydrotherapy,” and it is more popular than ever as a way to achieve better health and wellness. These are some of the ways you can improve your physical and mental health by using a hot tub.  

• Physical Wellness. Soaking in a hot tub can improve joint and muscle pain, whether chronic or from temporarily strained muscles. If you have a medical condition such as fibromyalgia or arthritis, you may find that regular use of a hot tub reduces inflammation and pain. Many people who suffer from migraines report that their headaches are better after a muscle relaxing soak in the hot tub.

 

• Mental Health Benefits. The warmth of the hot tub water and the massage of the jets actually do seem to relieve mental stress and anxiety in the same way meditation does. Your mental focus and concentration may improve due to your lowered heart rate and the break from your preoccupation with electronic devices and other distractions. Many studies have shown that regular soaks in the hot tub prior to bed promote deeper, longer, and better-quality sleep. That alone may be worth the investment in a hot tub!

 

• Social Connection. A hot tub can actually benefit your social life. It makes a great venue for an intimate gathering with friends. It is well known that those of us who have friendships and regular social engagements actually live longer lives. You can reconnect with your romantic partner for private soaks together, establishing a closer connection and deeper conversations.  Best of all, when a family uses the hot tub together, it forges a closer bond and promotes more authentic, in-the-moment interactions. 

 

What About the Cost of a Hot Tub?

Without a doubt one of the most pressing questions for those who are thinking about purchasing a hot tub is how much it will cost. There is a broad range of prices for hot tubs on the market today. What you pay generally depends on the features you choose for your spa.   

• A luxury model hot tub can cost well over $20,000. It will be superior in every way — from the cabinetry to the number and quality of massage jets, to its energy saving properties, and its longevity. However, it is very possible to get a high-quality hot tub for far less. 

 

• Mid-range hot tubs will be cost half the price of the luxury models and still come with energy saving equipment and many options in available features.

 

• An entry level hot tub is a great choice for people who have budgetary constraints or who aren’t sure if the hot tub lifestyle is one they are ready to embrace wholeheartedly. The price for these models is generally around $5,000 or more. Many are “plug-and-play” models, meaning that they do not require special electrical wiring and can be plugged in and used immediately. These models come with great features but may not be as energy efficient as higher priced spas. If you are unsure of how much you will actually use a hot tub, they are a terrific way to dip your toe in and find out.

 

The Size Hot Tub You Choose is Critical

The size of the spa you choose could well be the critical deciding factor in how much you will actually use a hot tub. How exactly will you use your hot tub? The chances are you will use your hot tub far more frequently when you opt for the size you will use most often.  

• 2-3 Person Hot Tub. Is it just you and your partner who will use the hot tub for the wellness benefits we discussed previously? If so, you may want to go for a 2- or 3-person model with ergonomic seating and strategically placed jets to target areas specific to your needs. There is no sense in investing in a large hot tub when it will just be two of you using it the majority of the time.

 

• 4-5 Person Hot Tub. Do you imagine using your hot tub for family spa nights? Gathering with the kids under the stars for conversation and connection? Or will your teens be wanting to invite a friend or two over for a soak from time to time? In that case, a hot tub that seats 4 to 5 people may work very well for you.

 

• 6-8 Person Hot Tub. Are you a large family? Do you have friends and neighbors over frequently where the hot tub would be the primary focus? If you entertain often, you will want to invite your guests to use the hot tub and be comfortable and not crowded in it. A hot tub that technically seats 8 will be more comfortable when fewer people are in it. Allow for your guests to have ample space for their feet and limbs. Larger hot tub models often come with a variety of seating options, which accommodates more individuals nicely.

 

Purchasing a Used Hot Tub

Purchasing a used hot tub could be a way to invest in the spa experience at a lower price. There are pros and cons to purchasing a used hot tub, of which buyers should be aware. Paying attention to the details will ensure you end up with a hot tub you will actually use.   

• Purchasing a hot tub from a private seller. When purchasing a hot tub from a private seller, ideally you know exactly what to look for and can accurately assess the quality of the equipment and any potential problems that may arise. If this is not your area of expertise, there are risks. Typically, you will make the purchase “as is” and be paying cash for your used spa. Hot tub warranties are not usually transferable, so if a problem develops once you get the spa home, you may be out of luck. As far as delivery and installation, you will be on your own.

 

• Buying a used spa online. This option may be risky because you usually are not able to see the hot tub in person, but rather through photos online. Again, you will not have a warranty in case of problems, and delivery costs could be expensive. 

 

• Purchasing from a local reputable hot tub dealer. Professionals in the spa business will sometimes purchase a used hot tub for resale. Since they are pros, they do know what to look for in regard to equipment condition and other details. Dealers will typically refurbish a hot tub they intend to re-sell and cover it with a dealer’s warranty which would cover some, if not all, potential problems. You may also be able to get financing through the dealer, as well as delivery and installation. 

  What do you think? Did you imagine that there would be so many details to consider when purchasing a hot tub? If you are wondering “Will I actually use a hot tub?”, good for you. That is a primary consideration to keep in mind when making an investment of this kind. We hope that once you take in to consideration the many wellness benefits you could experience, as well as the range of prices available to hot tub buyers, you may feel more confident that you would use a hot tub often enough to make the purchase worthwhile. Mainly, if you think carefully about how you would use your hot tub and select the size and model that meets your needs best, there is no doubt that you will use your hot tub often and be thrilled with your choice! Fronheiser Pools is pleased to offer Caldera® and Freeflow® spas in a broad range of prices and features. Our professional staff is on hand to answer all your questions and assist you in making the best choice of spa for your family. We also offer financing through HFS Financial. Call or come by soon and let’s see what we can do for you.