Best Hot Tubs

Choosing The Best Hot Tub

When going to purchase a new hot tub, there are many different styles available to choose from. It may be hard to know which is the best hot tub for your situation. The four main types are above-ground acrylic hot tubs, inflatable plastic spas, wooden hot tubs and in-ground spas. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that you will need to consider before buying. Although the above-ground acrylic version remains the most popular, the inflatable/plastic spas are great for those with limited funds who aren’t looking for a top of the line product. Wooden tubs are also increasing in popularity so you may wish to consider that style.

Above-Ground Acrylic Hot Tubs

This style of hot tub, known as acrylic or olefin acrylonitrile-styrene (OAS), comes with either a wooden or synthetic cabinet along with a foam or fiberglass understructure. They remain the most popular with American consumers. Manufacturers advertise this style as portable, but be advised they need a firm, level surface to sit properly. They are also rather difficult to relocate. If you do choose this type of spa, an electrician may need to be called in to install a special electrical outlet. This will increase your overall cost. Disadvantages of this style of hot tub include their high energy usage and a tendency to crack or bubble with prolonged sunlight exposure. Also, acrylic hot tubs have an overall high price tag. Many choose to go with this style though as your choices are endless when purchasing. You can choose from various options and additional features and most hot tub manufacturers carry this style of tub so you will have a great selection to choose from.

Wooden Hot Tubs

Wooden hot tubs are increasing in popularity with the American home owner. These above-ground tubs are generally round and offer built-in bench seating. Many prefer wood over other styles as it is solid and provides fragrance while relaxing. The most common woods for this type of spa are teak, cedar and redwood-all known for their fragrant aroma. Again, you will need a firm, level location when installing your spa. One advantage is that you have a choice of energy source. With a wooden hot tub, you can choose from wood, gas or electric. This style of hot tub must be carefully maintained and your options are more limited, yet many still prefer to go with this type of spa. Do-it-yourself kits are available or you may purchase from a specialty retailer.

Inflatable and Portable Hot Tubs

For those on a budget, this is the perfect choice as these do cost less than other styles of home spas. Portability is a feature of these tubs, but they do not last as long as other styles. Nylon, vinyl or plastic may be used in the construction and they can be put up and taken down fairly easily. Short soaks, 30 minutes or less, work best with this type of hot tub. This is due to the blower system used for air circulation. Most tubs use hot water jets which keeps the temperature more stable. The blower system on a portable tub circulates air rather than hot water. Inflatable tubs tend to lose water temperature quickly so you may wish to go with a wooden tub in the moderate price range.

In-Ground Spas

If you are looking for a hot tub that will also increase your home‘s value, consider this style. Although it does require ground excavation along with electrical and plumbing work, you will get the best return on investment. Frequently made of concrete, either standard or pneumatically applied, you may opt to have decorative tile installed as an overlay. Options include bench seats or step types. This style of tub heats water rapidly, holds the heat in for longer soaks and are more attractive to look at. Just remember, they cost more to install, operate and maintain. Take all of this into consideration as it will make your hot tub shopping much easier.

All of these spas/hot tubs are manufactured by Comfort Line, Sun Pleasure, DreamMaker, SportStuff, InstaSPA and Softub.