A showroom visit is most useful when you arrive with more than a rough idea of the hot tub you like. A few measurements, photos and written questions can help the showroom team narrow the options and help you compare models on the same basis.
This checklist is for UK homeowners who are preparing to visit a hot tub showroom. It focuses on the practical details that can affect suitability, delivery and ownership. Keep it on your phone or print it and make notes beside each model.
Before you visit: measure the intended space
Start with the area where the hot tub may sit. Record the maximum available length and width, then note anything else that will use the same space, such as steps, a cover lifter, planting, screens or furniture.
Also photograph the area from several angles. A wide view helps explain the setting, while closer photographs can show slopes, drainage, walls and nearby structures.
Bring these details:
- Maximum length and width available for the hot tub
- Space needed for safe entry and exit
- Proposed position of steps and a cover lifter
- Distance from the house and any doors or windows
- Existing surface, such as a patio, concrete base or decking
- Any slope, drainage issue or raised position
- Space around the cabinet for future servicing
A hot tub needs a firm, level base that can support the filled tub and its users. The correct base and clearances depend on the chosen model and site, so ask for written model-specific requirements before arranging groundworks.
Measure the complete delivery route
The final position is only one part of the plan. The delivery team also needs a workable route from the road to the installation area.
Walk the route and record its narrowest width and lowest overhead clearance. Include gate openings, tight turns, steps, side passages, drainpipes, meters, low eaves, tree branches and changes in ground level. Take photographs or a short video from the delivery point to the final location.
If normal access may be difficult, ask whether a site survey or lifting equipment will be needed. Do not assume that a tub can be tilted, dismantled or lifted over a building without a model-specific delivery plan.
Decide who will use the hot tub
Seat count is a useful starting point, but it does not tell you whether every position will be comfortable for the people who will use it.
Before the visit, write down:
- The usual number of users and the maximum number on occasion
- Approximate heights of the main users
- Whether you prefer upright seats, a lounger or a mixture
- Whether easy entry and exit is a priority
- Which areas you want the jets to target for comfort and relaxation
- Whether children will use the tub under adult supervision
- Whether anyone has a mobility need that affects access or seating
At the showroom, sit in the dry display models if invited. Ask whether a wet test is available and what you need to bring. A wet test should only be treated as available when the showroom confirms it for your appointment.
Compare the same points on every model
It is easy to be distracted by lighting, water features or a particularly striking cabinet finish. Use one comparison sheet for every model so that the practical differences remain clear.
Record:
- Exact model and series
- External dimensions
- Dry and filled weight
- Number and type of seats
- Entry and exit arrangement
- Jet positions and controls
- Filtration and water-care system
- Insulation and cover supplied
- Electrical requirement
- Required base and service clearances
- Delivery lead time and current availability
- What delivery and installation include
- Written price and what is included
Specifications and availability can change. Ask the showroom team to confirm the details for the exact model and version you are considering.
Ask for evidence behind running-cost estimates
Running costs vary with the hot tub, water temperature, outside temperature, insulation, cover, frequency of use and your electricity tariff. A single headline figure is difficult to compare unless you know how it was calculated.
Ask:
- Is there a model-specific energy figure or test result?
- What outside temperature, water temperature and usage pattern were assumed?
- Does the estimate include filtration and standby operation?
- Which electricity tariff was used?
- Which cover and insulation specification apply to this model?
Keep any written estimate with the assumptions attached. Treat it as a comparison aid, not a guaranteed household bill.
Clarify the electrical, water and drainage plan
Do not arrange electrical work from a generic online recommendation. Ask for the exact electrical requirements for the model you are considering and have the installation assessed and completed by a suitably qualified electrician.
You should also clarify:
- Where the electrical connection should be located
- Who makes the final connection
- How the tub will be filled
- Where water can be discharged during routine draining
- Whether any additional drainage work is needed
- What must be ready before delivery day
The showroom team can explain the model requirements. The relevant qualified trades should confirm that your property and proposed installation meet them.
Read the warranty for the exact model
Warranty cover can differ between brands, ranges and components. Ask for the full written warranty that applies to the exact model, rather than relying on a headline number.
Check:
- Which company provides the warranty
- When the cover starts
- Separate periods for the shell, surface, plumbing and equipment
- Water-care and maintenance conditions
- Parts, labour and callout arrangements
- Any cost for gaining access to a built-in or enclosed tub
- Whether registration or servicing records are required
- What happens if a repair is needed
Hot Tubs of London publishes current warranty information on its warranty page. The written terms supplied for your chosen product should control your decision.
Compare the written answers for two models
Use a separate column for each model. Record the document or written answer beside each note, and mark anything unanswered “to confirm”.
| Note to collect | Model A | Model B |
|---|---|---|
| Exact model and warranty document/date | To confirm | To confirm |
| Component coverage and conditions | To confirm | To confirm |
| Labour, attendance and access arrangements | To confirm | To confirm |
| Care or servicing records to retain | To confirm | To confirm |
| Contact route for a problem | To confirm | To confirm |
| Questions still awaiting a written answer | To confirm | To confirm |
Keep the completed notes with the corresponding quotations and warranty documents.
Ask what aftercare includes
Good ownership support begins with knowing what you will need to do after installation. Ask who will explain the controls, water testing, filtration and routine cleaning at handover.
Useful questions include:
- Is commissioning or a handover included?
- What water-care routine is recommended for this model?
- Which consumables will I need and how often are they normally checked?
- How are replacement filters and approved products obtained?
- What servicing options are available?
- Who should I contact if the water or equipment does not seem right?
You can review the current service and maintenance options and ownership resources before your visit.
Your printable hot tub showroom checklist
Bring with you
- ☐ Garden or installation-area measurements
- ☐ Delivery-route width and overhead-clearance measurements
- ☐ Photos or a short video of the site and route
- ☐ Notes on the usual users, their heights and seating preferences
- ☐ A realistic purchase budget and a separate allowance for site preparation
- ☐ Questions about delivery, installation, warranty and aftercare
- ☐ A phone or notebook for model-by-model notes
Ask about each shortlisted model
- ☐ Exact model, series and current specification
- ☐ Dimensions, dry weight and filled weight
- ☐ Seat layout and whether a wet test is available
- ☐ Required base, electrical supply and service access
- ☐ Delivery route, lead time and lifting requirements
- ☐ What is included in the written price
- ☐ Energy evidence and the assumptions behind any estimate
- ☐ Full written warranty and exclusions
- ☐ Handover, water care, servicing and repair support
Before paying a deposit
- ☐ Confirm the exact product and specification in writing
- ☐ Confirm the total price and included items in writing
- ☐ Confirm delivery timing and site responsibilities in writing
- ☐ Check the site survey or delivery plan
- ☐ Check the model-specific warranty
- ☐ Keep copies of the quotation and agreed documents
Plan your showroom visit
Hot Tubs of London has showroom locations in Maldon and Stanway, Colchester. Bringing your measurements and questions will help the team focus the appointment on models that suit your space, access and preferences.
Book a showroom visit or contact Hot Tubs of London to confirm the location, opening arrangements and whether the models you want to compare will be available to view.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to a hot tub showroom?
Bring measurements of the installation area and delivery route, photos or video of the site, the approximate number and heights of regular users, your seating preferences and a list of questions. These details help the team assess suitability more efficiently.
Should I measure only the space where the hot tub will sit?
No. Measure the route from the delivery point to the final location, including the narrowest gaps, lowest overhead points, gates, turns and steps. Also allow for entry, a cover lifter and future service access around the tub.
Can I arrange the base and electrics before choosing a model?
It is safer to obtain the written requirements for the shortlisted model first. Base loads, dimensions, service clearances and electrical requirements can vary. Use qualified trades for the relevant assessment and work.
What should I ask about hot tub running costs?
Ask for model-specific evidence and the assumptions behind it, including outside temperature, set water temperature, usage, insulation, cover and electricity tariff. An estimate without its assumptions is difficult to compare and cannot guarantee your bill.
Should I rely on the warranty length alone?
No. Read the full warranty for the exact model. Check the separate component periods, exclusions, maintenance conditions, labour and callout arrangements, access costs and who provides the cover.
