If you are buying a hot tub for the first time, there are a lot of details that need to be in place before your first relaxing soak. If you have never been through the process before, it can be overwhelming.
At Wind River Spas, we have thought through many of the details for you, from which materials are best for a harsh climate like Colorado, to which accessories and features can add to your comfort after installation. We have put together a checklist of everything you should consider when purchasing your first hot tub.
Budget and Financing
Budget
Determining your budget is often the first step to purchasing your first hot tub. Hot tub pricing can vary depending on the manufacturer, the materials used, the features included, and the size that you want. When purchasing a hot tub, it’s important to consider the long-term value of the tub that you are purchasing. You don’t want to end up with a cheaply designed hot tub that is affordable at the beginning but won’t hold up in Colorado’s weather.
By manufacturing and distributing our own hot tubs, we cut out the middle man so that we can offer hot tubs that are the highest quality while also keeping them reasonably priced. We also make it easy for you to determine your budget without feeling pressured into a purchase. With the build and price tub feature on our website, you can price out different sizes and features until you find the tub that fits both your needs and your budget.
Financing
Financing can be an option for many people when purchasing a new hot tub. It allows payments to be broken down into more manageable amounts, giving you more flexibility while allowing you to enjoy your new tub. We can give you different options to help make the process more manageable. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about financing.
Water Care
In order to have a safe hot tub, you need to consider quality water care that will keep the water free from bacteria and other harmful pathogens. Traditionally, chemicals have been the primary method of cleaning water. However, excessive harmful chemicals can be bad for your health and for the environment.
Ozone water purification offers a healthier and more eco-friendly way to sanitize hot tub water, allowing for a chemical-free soak. Most companies still only offer salt-water tubs (which contain the same amount of harmful chemicals) or chemical water care so it is worth doing your research before deciding on a hot tub.
Material and Construction
For Colorado, material and construction are two of the most important considerations when choosing a hot tub. When it comes to construction, you will want to consider the type of insulation that is used. We recommend avoiding full foam insulation because it makes it nearly impossible to service the hot tub, and it can be a tempting material for mice to chew through.
Instead, we recommend our 5-stage insulation which includes high-density foam, an efficient dead air space cavity, and a 2-inch thick bead-board. It also includes a plastic vapor barrier, and a molded plastic base to keep out the critters. This type of insulation keeps the hot tub safe even during freezing temperatures, and it also makes it fast and simple to service any leaks that may occur over the years.
Size and Space
The next item you will want to cross off your list is finding the right size of hot tub and the right space to put it in. Our hot tubs can range from intimate two-seaters to larger models that can seat 7 or more people. You can consider whether you are looking for a sanctuary just for you and your partner, or if you are looking for a hot tub that can be the centerpiece at a family gathering.
The location that you plan to put your hot tub in can also be a determining factor in the size of hot tub that you purchase. You will need a space in your home or yard that has easy access for installation, availability of electrical outlets, and proper drainage and ventilation. You will also need to make sure the surface is suitable for a hot tub.
Features and Customization
Once you know the size of hot tub that you want for your home, you can start to think about some of the features and customizations that you want to add. You can start to choose the types of jets that you want to include and how many you want. This can be determined by whether you are looking for jets that can help to target and relax muscles, jets that create a gentle and calm environment, or the ability to switch between both.
There are many other customizations that you can consider, too, such as bluetooth capabilities, LED lighting, water features, and the type and color of exterior finish to make it a beautiful addition to your home.
Efficiency and Sustainability
You don’t want to bring a new hot tub home only to find out that it is going to cost you a lot of money just to run it every month. Energy efficiency is important not only for your budget, but for overall environmental benefits. Good insulation is a major part of a hot tub’s overall efficiency, but it isn’t the only factor. Filtration can also affect your monthly energy bill. Continuous high power pumps can be inefficient and noisy.
You can consider hot tubs that feature dual pumps. A more powerful pump can be used to run the jets when you want them on, while a quieter and more efficient pump can run continuously to filter the water and keep it clean.
Installation Requirements
Electrical Requirements
Sometimes it’s necessary to make electrical changes in your home before adding a hot tub. Whether this means adding electrical outlets where you want to install your tub, or upgrading your electrical panel, it’s a good idea to check the specs of your hot tub and make a call to your electrician to find out what may be needed in your home.
Foundation and Support
Having a solid, flat surface for your hot tub is important. You will need to determine whether you will need a gravel pad, shim, base, or concrete pad to safely house your hot tub. All of these can be good options for installing in your home.
Brand and Warranty
Finding a brand that you can trust to have your best interests at heart can be difficult. Most brands in Colorado are not even built for Colorado’s climate so they won’t have the warranty to back up their products. You will want to find a brand that has a good local reputation, positive customer reviews, and a solid warranty.
We offer a comprehensive 3-year warranty against freeze-ups, a 5-year warranty on the acrylic shell, and a no fault guarantee. Our only exclusions are for abuse or misuse so that you are covered for any unexpected issues that may occur.
Finalizing the Purchase
You’ve navigated through budget considerations, explored various sizes and features, evaluated efficiency, and considered installation needs. Now, it’s time to finalize the purchase and make your hot tub dreams a reality. This stage should not just be transactional; it should be the beginning of a long-term relationship with your chosen hot tub and the company.
We will take care of you long after the hot tub is installed in your home. We are always here to offer technical advice and support
Schedule a Free Home Visit Today!
If you are interested in purchasing a new hot tub and you live near Englewood, CO, we would love to schedule a free home visit. During these visits, we can go over any questions you may have about the process. If you’re ready to make a well-informed, satisfying investment in a hot tub designed for your lifestyle and the Colorado climate, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call Wind River Spas today at (303) 789-2656 or by filling out an online form.