When it comes to injecting an extra dose of luxury to your home, having a hot tub installed is the ultimate indulgence. Providing you with the perfect place in which to sit back, relax and unwind – with or without a glass of champagne – after a long day and soak away the stresses and strains of life, it could quickly become one of the best investments you’ve ever made for your wellbeing.
Buying a luxury hot tub might seem like a simple enough task, and by and large, it is – but rather than simply snapping up the first one you see or splurging on the most expensive with the belief that it must be the best, it’s wise to consider a few key factors first.
From how many people are likely to be using it at any given time, to the deal-breaker features you simply have to have, we asked the experts at Aqua Warehouse, the leading hot tub warehouse in Essex to share their ultimate guide to finding and buying the perfect hot tub to suit your needs.
Hot tub or hot tub spa?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but do they mean the same thing? Sort of. A simple hot tub may not include jets and pumps, while a hot tub spa does, so if you’re eager for the real deal, then the latter is what you’re looking for.
‘Jacuzzi’ and ‘whirlpool’ are other names commonly used to describe hot tubs, but in fact, these are brand names that have become synonymous with the hot tub over time. The Jacuzzi hot tub was invented by Roy Jacuzzi back in 1968, hence the name – but these days, there are a whole host of modern and innovative brands to choose from that offer the highest quality, top-performing hot tubs, so don’t be tempted to opt for a name simply because it’s familiar.
Since the 70s, hot tubs have continued to evolve rapidly, and most of today’s offer features like built-in seats and adjustable jets and temperature controls as standard – but as our demand for convenience and luxury continues to grow, the best top-of-the-range models now boast a host of additional modern features like TVs, bluetooth speakers and even drinks coolers.
Portable, custom or in-ground?
There’s no denying that portable hot tubs have been enjoying a moment of late, with many brands and models selling out as we sought to entertain ourselves during the global pandemic and resulting lockdowns. These stand-alone models are a great choice because they are quick and easy to install and can be moved around as required, but they do require a 220-volt connection, which you may need to have installed especially.
Made from fibreglass, acrylics or plastics, portable hot tubs certainly have their merits – but avoid inflatable varieties if you’re keen to maintain a classy appearance throughout your home and garden, as these can cheapen the luxury aesthetic you’ve worked hard to create.
A custom or in-ground hot tub is an alternative and will usually be made from granite, concrete, tile or fibreglass. The great thing about these is that they can be designed to specifically fit in with and complement your current home aesthetic or a new one you are keen to create, and such is the quality that if well-looked after, they can last for many years. Nevertheless, they do come with their drawbacks; depending on where you’d like to have it installed, part of the lawn may need to be dug up to install the tub and connect the plumbing to the mains, and it’s much more costly to repair or replace parts should any problems arise later on.
Choosing a hot tub that will meet your needs
To choose the perfect hot tub to suit your personal needs, you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions. First and foremost, how often do you plan to use it? If the answer is daily, then it’s wise to choose a top quality model that is built to stand the test of time and can withstand high usage. It takes around four hours to fully heat a hot tub, so opt for an energy efficient model that is suitably insulated to keep the warmth in and running costs down.
Next, you’ll want to consider what your objectives are when using your hot tub. If, for example, the main benefit you hope to enjoy is relaxation, then a spa-like design with adjustable jets and comfortable seating is all you’ll need, but if you’re hoping it will help to soothe aches, pains or stiff joints then a therapeutic tub with strategically placed jets may be a better choice.
When choosing your tub, look for good-quality materials that promise maximum durability – acrylic is a good choice for a portable tub. There are a range of different designs available to choose from, so pick something that will fit seamlessly into its surroundings. And if you’d like to use your hot tub after dark, then look for one with adjustable recessed lighting below the surface of the water.
For maximum convenience, features like remote monitoring – which will allow you to turn your tub on and start heating it from a distance – are a great choice, while to up the luxury factor even further, splurging on a tub with a built-in entertainment system that allows you to play music via Bluetooth or watch TV via an all-weather HD monitor could be just the ticket.