Tucson Pool & Spa
Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide
The Ultimate Hot Tub Buyer's Tips
Everything You Need To Know To Buy The Perfect Hot Tub.
Choosing The Perfect Hot Tub
Buying a hot tub can be trickier than you may think with a multitude of factors to consider. Not only do you have to find the right hot tub for your home and budget, but you will also need to consider delivery options and where to buy your hot tub. Don’t worry, we break it all down in this all-encompassing guide to make your hot tub buying experience as smooth as possible.
The Types Of Hot Tubs
Plug & Play Hot Tubs
Plug & play hot tubs resemble smaller traditional hard-shell hot tubs and can be plugged into any standard 110-volt outlet. They feature multiple jets, a control panel, a deep water level, bench or lounge seating, and are generally easy to move and install.
Although Plug & Play hot tubs are insulated and are more energy-efficient than inflatable hot tubs, the 110-volt power supply does cause it to be less energy-efficient than traditional 240-volt hot tubs. The small power supply also means that there is usually not enough power for the filters and heater to run at the same time meaning they have to cycle which can reduce heat-up times, and limits the amount of jets that can be included in the hot tub. The small power supply also limits the size of the hot tub.
If you are looking for a low-investment, an entry-level hot tub that gets the job done and will last many years, a plug & play hot tub may be the perfect choice for your home.
Traditional Hot Tubs
Traditional hot tubs are in most cases larger than plug & play hot tubs and have a larger power supply. Traditional hot tubs have to be professionally wired into your homes 240v wiring. Because of this, they can be far larger than the other types of hot tubs, and can include many more jets, have better filters, heat up much faster, and are more energy-efficient.
Traditional hot tubs, like those created by Sundance Spas, are typically the best choice for homeowners. Although they are the most expensive out of the three types of hot tubs and require more effort to set up due to their power needs and their heavy weight they are also more reliable and last longer than other types of spas. Additionally, a traditional hot tub can add monetary value to your home if you ever decide to move.
Water Care Options
Manual Water Care
Traditional water care means the spa owner manually adds Chlorine or Bromine to the spa. You should only purchase chemicals from an authorized hot tub dealer like us to make sure you get the highest quality products to ensure your spa and water stay healthy. The amount of maintenance required by the spa owner depends on how frequently they use the hot tub. With regular hot tub use, the spa water should be checked with a test strip to ensure the proper balance is maintained.
Ozone Systems
Ozone with MPS and Silver Ions is slightly more expensive than traditional water care. It is still a fairly manual process but requires a little less interaction from the spa owner than manually adding chlorine or bromine. Spa owners enjoy this system because it only requires a very small amount of chlorine and chemicals.
Ozone systems were once considered the best water care option for hot tubs and have since become the industry standard for hot tub water care in most middle-tier hot tubs. Ozone water care systems use powerful oxidizers – ozone and MPS – with silver ions to decrease the need for chlorine. Once the Ozone unit is installed, it continually releases tiny ozone bubbles into the spa water. The silver ion cartridge then automatically releases silver ions into the water that inhibit the growth of bacteria. The spa owner then has to manually add MPS to the spa with each use, and a small amount of chlorine once a week. The silver ion cartridge should be replaced every three months, and the ozone unit will need to be replaced every 4-5 years.
What Brands Do We Offer?
With more and more hot tub manufacturers entering the market, we find it increasingly important to partner with the best hot tub brands. There are a number of factors that we consider when deciding which hot tub company to partner with:
- Size and number of seats
- Accessories
- Warranty
- Quality
- Design
- Jet technology
- Price and financing
- Customization options
- And more…
With our deep knowledge of the hot tub industry, we have selected Sundance Spas as our hot tub partner because it is one of the best brands on the market.
The Sundance Spas Difference
Sundance Spas tops our list for a multitude of reasons. Sundance Spas prides itself on its promise of connection, loyalty, and craftsmanship, getting the best hot tub because it has the best people and technology behind it. Sundance has a history of innovation and has been a leader in the spa industry for years. In fact, nearly every feature you see on spas today was originally introduced or enhanced by Sundance Spas.
Finally, when you purchase a Sundance Spa you know that you are getting a reliable and innovative product featuring their patented Fluidix Jets system. This patented technology means that you will experience the perfect blend of heat, buoyancy, and massage during every soak.
SmartTub System
Sundance Spas are well known for their SmartTub System which is designed to make using and maintaining your spa easier than ever before. If you have a smart device, you are ready to monitor and control your spa from the comfort of the couch or turn up the heat so it is ready for you to use when you get home from work.
The SmartTub system is revolutionary in the spa industry. Not only can you adjust features like the temperature, jets, and light from anywhere, but you can also increase safety by locking down your spa to prevent usage or setting up an automated usage schedule so that it is always ready for you.
Finally, have peace of mind whether you are home or away, the SmartTub app will automatically alert your dealer if your hot tub needs repairs, it can alert you when it detects a power outage, freezing and overheating, and it can automatically optimize energy savings.
Good Cause Spas
When you purchase a Sundance Spa, not only are you investing in your own health and wellness but you are helping the community! Sundance Spas is dedicated to partnering with worthy organizations that are helping neighbors, heroes, and humanitarians experience the healing power of hydrotherapy. Sundance cares deeply about giving back to those who offer selfless service.
Sundance Spas offers great features like versatile seating, patented jet technologies, and optimized massage experiences. Ultimately, these spas were built with you in mind and that’s why we decided to partner with them.
Sundance Spas Selection
SundanceSpas has five hot tub series ranging from entry-level to ultra-luxurious. If you are looking for a reliable, long-lasting hot tub that uses the best technology in the hot tub industry, then Sundance is the brand to go with.
Sundance Spas Series
- 980 Series
- 880 Series
- 780 Series
- 680 Series
- Splash Series
Installing Your Hot Tub
Where Can I Put A Hot Tub?
When purchasing a hot tub, where you will put it will be the first question that needs answering. Hot tubs are quite heavy when filled, and will need a solid and level foundation to sit on. When considering your hot tub’s foundation, there are four main options to choose between: a spa pad, pouring a concrete slab, a wooden deck, or pavers. Each method will vary in styling, functionality, and price.
For those working on a budget, spa pads can create a simple and easy foundation for your hot tub with minimal cost and effort, they usually come in the form of interlocking thick rubber pads that form a solid base for your hot tub.
The simplest and most common foundation is a concrete slab. Pouring a concrete slab will also be relatively inexpensive and quick. Concrete slabs are durable and will easily last the life of your spa.
Another common place hot tub owners like to house their spas are wooden decks. While most wooden decks are stable enough to uphold the full weight of a filled hot tub, you will need to call in an expert to assess that your deck is structurally sound enough. Another option is to blend a concrete slab with a wooden deck. Some homeowners choose to place their hot tubs on a concrete slab under their deck, with the top of the hot tub seamlessly rising through for easy access.
The last method that is commonly used, is placing your hot tub on pavers, many homes already have areas covered in pavers, and can be used as a solid foundation for your spa.
How Much Does Installation Cost?
The cost of your hot tub foundation can range from $0 – $1,000+ depending on if you already have a solid foundation, or if you decide to build a custom deck for your hot tub. For reference, spa pads range in price from $100 to $500, and concrete slabs range from $900 – $2,000.
The cost of having a professional electrician wire a hot tub usually ranges from $200 – $500.
Delivery can also be costly if you require a crane to lift the hot tub into your backyard, which can cost between $500 – $1,000. Usually, a portion of a fence is taken down, and a hot tub will be carried into place by multiple people.
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