Choosing a Hot Tub

Choosing the right hot tub does not have to be confusing if you know a little about the industry before you go shopping. This article details a few of the things that you may not know about hot tubs in general.

First, however, let's distinguish hot tubs from spas. Hot tubs are for soaking and they do not have water jets or injectors. For that you need to buy a spa. Please read our article on how to choose a spa for more information.

 Buy or Build: When it comes to wooden hot tubs, you have a choice of either buying one that someone else will assemble for you or buying one that you assemble yourself.

 If you are wondering how one might build a hot tub, read the next section.

 Wooden Hot Tubs: Wooden hot tubs are very popular. You can buy these tubs in kits or have them installed by the vendor. For those interested in building their own, the assembly is fairly straightforward and can usually be completed in a weekend. You will, of course, need to have several tools on hand, and the manufacturer will tell you what those tools are.

 Many of the wooden hot tub kits come with a video that can be very useful for those who have not worked with hot tubs before. The general shape of a wooden hot tub is round, like a barrel, so getting the side panels together and water tight is often the most difficult part of the assembly process.

Most wooden tubs are made of either cedar or teak. Each of these is an excellent choice for hot tubs and will last for years as long as they are maintained properly.

No Assembly Required: It is entirely possible to purchase a wooden hot tub and have the vendor arrange for its assembly. In some cases, there may be a charge for this service, so make sure you ask about it first.

Fiberglass Hot Tubs: While not as common as wooden hot tubs, you can find fiberglass hot tubs. This, as you might imagine, do not require assembly but they do require installation at the site. Fiberglass tubs are a good option for those who want a modern, sleek look. They are very durable and they will last for years with the proper maintenance.

 All hot tubs require some electrical and plumbing work which is often best left to the professionals. You should find qualified plumbing and electrical contractors who have experience in wiring or plumbing hot tubs and spas.

 In some cases, new wiring must be run in order to handle the power requirements of the hot tub. The same is true with plumbing. At a minimum a supply water line and drain line will need to be installed. You should consult with your electrician about the wiring requirements for your particular tub as they will vary from product to product.