Factors to consider when buying a hot tub

A hot tub is no modest purchase. Like a house or car, it's a serious expense that must be approached with the utmost caution. Here are some factors you need to consider before you buy:

Space

Hot tubs may not take up as much space pools, but it's the space around the hot tub you need to think about. Will you put it inside or outside? If you choose inside, do you have the proper ventilation? The room that your hot tub will sit in needs to have appropriate ventilation for the heat and fumes that the hot tub will produce. You will also have to ensure that the machinery powering your hot tub has proper ventilation from indoors.

If you decide to put it outside, you should think about how to protect it. You can build a gazebo around it, or a covering structure of some kind. This reduces wear and tear on your hot tub and hot tub cover.

Of course, when all is said and done, and your hot tub is installed, will you still have enough space to feel comfortable in your home or backyard? All of these spatial considerations can make or break your hot tub decision.

Cost

Hot tubs are a significant expense, but the initial cost is only one part of the conversation. Once you buy your hot tub, you have to clean and maintain it. This requires significant financial commitment.

From chemicals and cleaning products, to replacement parts, you will have a number of recurring costs associated with your hot tub. While it's hard to say exactly how much you will spend each month, this is something to ask hot tub dealers when looking at your dream spa.

Time

Cleaning and maintaining your hot tub not only costs money, it also takes time. Count on doing a full clean of your hot tub at least once per month, depending on how often you use it. Make sure you can fit this into your schedule before you commit to a hot tub.

And of course, the most important factor to consider: Will you have time to use it? With all the financial and time commitments that a hot tub takes up, make sure it's worth it in the end. If you think you'll use the hot tub often, then all these costs won't seem like so much in the end.