What sort of hot tubs are there?

There are many different brands and types of hot tub. Hot tubs come in different sizes and will have different functions – some providing massage jets and whirlpools and some even providing a CD/radio headset and mood lighting systems.

There exist several different variations on the classic hot tub: a spa is simply a hot tub, which is made out of acrylic materials, and a whirlpool is like a large bathtub with a jet pump to create a current – whirlpools drain the water after each usage. In addition to these types, there are also above-ground and below-ground versions of each different type.

You would be well advised to opt for large, well-known brand, which guarantees its hot tubs for at least 3-5 years. You may pay slightly more, but it will be worth it because these tubs will cost you nothing in repairs for the first five years. Faulty hot tubs are very expensive to fix: a tip for choosing a brand would be to ring up local hot tub repairmen and ask them their opinion on which brands are reliable.

You will probably want to have an idea on what sort of size you want your hot tub to be before you go to a showroom. Remember to always wet test hot tubs – it is a common practice whereby you actually use a model; your opinion of a hot tub is likely to change once you've actually experienced it properly and dry tests do not seem to help as much.

Individual extras and options such as insulation and covers will vary, depending on your personal preferences.

Choosing a hot tub and supplier

Choosing a supplier is a difficult business. You can choose one straight out of the Yellow Pages but you do not really know anything about them in advance: if you have friends who have installed a hot tub, ask them what they thought about their supplier.

Ideally, your supplier will have been in business for a reasonable amount of time so that so you know they will still be here in years to come. If a supplier has been selling a particular brand of hot tubs for a long time that is also a positive: they will have a good relationship with the brand (good if you need to take up the manufacturer's guarantee) and will be confident in the manufacturer's products.

When choosing a hot tub, make sure you have tested your hot tub and are 100% happy with the model you are buying, the extras included, and the cost. Ensure that you get a decent warranty and that the supplier installs everything for you.

You should also base your decision on what type of hot tub you purchase on where you intend to install it. Common locations are as follows: sunk into decking or grass; an aboveground configuration on a raised platform outdoors; indoors in a bathroom; or outdoors underneath a wooden roof to protect you from the elements.