How To Choose a Home Spa

Owning a home spa can be a wonderful treat for the whole family. Please understand, however, that a spa is not the same as a hot tub, although many people use the names as if they were. A spa is basically a hot tub with water jets and injectors as well as other components that a hot tub does not have.

There are several considerations you need to address before you buy a home spa. This article examines some of the more common ones.

Sub-Structure: Your new home spa will have to be located somewhere. If you plan on putting it on a deck, or any other type of flooring, make sure that the sub-structure is strong enough to hold it. Keep in mind that you need to add the weight of the water as well. If you are not sure about this, contact a carpenter or general contractor. For a small fee, they can inspect the sub-structure and advise you on if it needs to be strengthened or not.

Power Requirements: Spas require electrical power in order to run the pumps, motors, heater, and other accessories. Some spas will run on 120 volts while others are set to run on 240 volts. If you purchase a spa that runs on 240 volts and do not have the proper outlet you will need to contact a qualified electrician to install that outlet. Some locales will require that this work be done only by a licensed electrician and there may be certain code standards that have to be met. It is always a very good idea to have professionals install this type of wiring.

If you have any questions about the electrical requirements for the spa that you want to buy, ask the vendor. More often than not, reliable vendors are willing to answer your questions in an honest manner, even if it means they lose the sale on that particular model of spa.

Water Supply and Drainage: Your new spa will need to have a water supply as well as a means of draining it. Whether or not you will be able to install these supply lines and drainage lines will depend on your level of experience and confidence in doing this work. Some locales require that only licensed plumbers do this work and that it be done according to code. If you are not sure about your area, you can contact a local plumber to find out or call your local building and zoning authority.

Some homeowners may decide to do the supply line work on their own, if allowed by local code, and have a professional plumber do the drainage line. Drainage lines can become a nuisance if one is not familiar with them.

Once you have your spa installed, sit back and relax and enjoy it for years to come. Simple, easy maintenance is usually all that is required to extend the life of most modern spas.