What To Think About In Preparation For A New Hot Tub
A hot tub will bring your family hours of enjoyment, and it's a great alternative for kids when your yard isn't big enough for a pool. However, a hot tub is fun for adults and entertaining too, so everyone in the family can enjoy having one in your yard. Here are some things to think about when planning your purchase.
Decide On How You'll Use Your Outdoor Spa
You can use your new hot tub in different ways, so you want to buy the right type of your needs. You might want a basic tub that fills with hot water just for soaking and without all the water jets and other features. However, a tub with spa features can be more fun and allow you to exercise and take water massages too. If you want the tub to double as a pool for your kids, then consider a swim spa that has a separate area away from the seats for swimming against a current. This type of tub is nice for fitness purposes too, but you can also work out in a smaller tub as long as you choose one with enough space between the seats.
If you want the tub for pain relief, then the massage jets will be an important feature for you to examine when you're buying your tub. You might also want lounge seats that allow you to stretch out in the tub comfortably. If you want a hot tub for entertaining adults, then you'll need one with plenty of seats and fun features like underwater lighting and cup holders on the sides for drinks.
Think About Where You'll Install It
Before you place the tub on your existing patio, make sure the concrete can support the weight of the tub when it's full of water. You may need to have a new slab poured, and that requires wait time for the concrete to cure. Having a new slab put in for the new spa allows you to place the tub anywhere you like, which could be a benefit if you want a scenic view. Remember that your tub will need an electrical hookup, so you want to factor that into your choice of location too.
Learn What's Involved With Maintenance
Before you buy a hot tub, learn what's involved with maintaining it so the water always stays sparkling clear and safe. You'll need to clean the sides of the tub regularly to keep oils and scum cleared away. You'll also need to skim off leaves and bugs. A cover helps keep the water clear but you'll also need to balance chemicals just like you would with a pool to control algae growth.
The work of maintaining a hot tub is worth it since it will provide you with hours of fun, fitness, and relaxation. Soaking in a spa is enjoyable at night when you can watch the stars while being massaged by hot water jets, and a tub is also fun during the day with the heat turned down so you can float or exercise in your little mini pool.
