Thinking of getting a hot tub?
Discover benefits, choose the right model, find suppliers & learn UK running costs in our guide.If you’re thinking of becoming a hot tub owner, read on as we uncover the perks of owning a hot tub and guide you through selecting one that is best suited to you.
We’ll explore the numerous advantages – from relaxation to health benefits, size, and energy efficiency, and we’ll provide insights on how buying from a reputable supplier can save you money.
Lastly, we’ll discuss the cost of running a hot tub so you can be fully prepared before taking the plunge.
Join us as we navigate through what you need to know when you’re thinking of getting a hot tub.
What should you consider before buying a hot tub?
Before buying a hot tub, weigh six things. Space: measure your garden and count the seats you will actually use, since a bigger tub takes up more room and costs more to heat than most households need. Base: you need a solid, level base rated for the tub’s full filled weight, which can exceed a tonne once water and bathers are added. Access: check your delivery route has wide enough gates and no blocking steps, as tubs usually arrive fully assembled. Power: a hardwired hot tub needs a dedicated circuit fitted by a qualified electrician, so confirm this is included in your quote. Running costs: a well-insulated hot tub typically costs £15 to £30 a month on a standard tariff. Showroom testing: always sit in a hot tub and try the jets in person before buying, since photos never show how a model truly fits your build.
Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub
There’s been a considerable increase over recent years of hot tub owners as the health benefits have become more widely recognised and having a hot tub at home is the ideal way to chill out and de-stress at the end of the day.
If you’re suffering from pain from an injury or a medical condition like arthritis or feel the need to de-stress, a hot tub can help. The heat from the water helps increase circulation, reducing swelling and inflammation. The gentle water pressure helps support your weight so you can relax and not worry about putting pressure on painful areas.
Relaxing in warm water has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone, Cortisol while raising the level of other “feel good” hormones, such as Serotonin and Dopamine. This can help promote better, more restful sleep at night, energising you throughout the day.
If you’re into sports, this water therapy promotes muscle relaxation and pain relief by relieving muscle tension after exercise or physical exertion. However, keeping the temperature at 40°C or less is essential, as higher water temperatures can lead to dehydration.
The benefits of owning a hot tub are numerous, from providing stress relief to promoting healthy sleep and finding the best spa for your needs can be simplified with our expert guidance and advice.
Now let’s find out how to choose the right one for you.
Takeaway: Soaking in a hot tub offers various advantages, like increased blood flow and decreased stress. Hydrotherapy also helps relieve physical and mental tension – making it the perfect way to relax after exercise or sports.
Choosing the Right Hot Tub
Which hot tub is right for you isn’t always an easy question to answer.
It comes down to your preferences, how many people you want to fit into your home spa at any one time, your budget, and the space you’ve got to play with.
If you’re a first-time hot tub buyer, test out several different types of hot tubs, from the cheapest to the most expensive. This way, you’ll know exactly what you want in a home spa. Also, you can tell if spending the extra money on a more expensive model is worth the cost.
Narrow down a shortlist of tubs to test, then change into your bathing suit and get the showroom staff to show you how to operate the first spa on your list, then ask them to leave you to take it for a spin yourself so you can get a feel for whether it’s the right hot tub for you.
A few things to pay particular attention to during a wet test are:
- Does it feel like there’s plenty of room for the number of people you want to enjoy your hot tub at once?
- Are the seats comfortable and the right depth to suit every member of your family?
- Do the jets give a good massage?
- Is it easy to adjust the jet’s power and the type of massage it gives?
- Are the lighting and multimedia options, like speakers and a TV, easy to use to your liking?
Above all else, do you like the feel of the hot tub? It’s really a matter of preference, so be sure to go for the home spa that feels best to you, even if it’s not the best model on paper.
It’s vital to consider the number of people who will use your hot tub and the frequency. As a rule, you should opt for the smallest pool you can, and this way, you’ll save money. However, if you want to accommodate the entire family, you’ll need a bigger model and space and be willing to spend more.
For most people, the choice is between a smaller, more feature-rich pool and a large, less lavish one. You should also think about efficiency, and hot tubs with efficient heating options will be cheaper to run.
Select a 13 or 32-amp Hot Tub.
A 13 amp hot tub runs on a standard three-pinned plug socket. Almost every inflatable hot tub falls into this category.
They’re popular with first-time hot tub owners because you don’t need to install a dedicated power supply to use one. They’re also usually a lot cheaper than a permanent hot tub, as they have fewer expensive electronics, meaning they cost less to manufacture.
Most permanent hot tubs are 32 amp. These require a dedicated 32 amp electrical supply, meaning you can’t plug them into a standard socket. They are more expensive than 13 amp models but give far better performance.
The long and short of it is that 32 amp models give far better hydrotherapy massages and cost less to run, so it’s usually recommended to avoid 13 amp hot tubs and spend a bit extra on a 32 amp model instead.
Review the build quality of the Hot Tub.
Most first-time hot tub buyers overlook the hot tubs build quality. They’re enticed by the look and not necessarily by what’s going on within.
Many hot tubs are sold by online only retailers who don’t have showrooms. They may look the part on the surface, but there may be some serious issues with their build quality that you can’t see.
This is the reason you should only ever buy hot tubs in person from quality hot tub retailers, as it’s the only way to investigate the build quality yourself.
The Importance of Insulation to Help Minimise Running Costs
The most significant factor determining how much a hot tub costs to operate is its insulation quality.
The inside of the most efficient hot tubs is “fully foamed” with high-quality foam, which will have been inserted everywhere apart from around the control panel, which requires a few inches of maintenance access.
A hot tub that isn’t adequately insulated will cost you more energy bills, and you might struggle to stay warm.
The Hot Tub Cover
A hot tub with a fully insulated, airtight cover is much more energy efficient.
We highly recommend you go for a hot tub with a locking clip-on lid. These will prevent the cover from blowing off in high winds, keep children out, and ensure the water stays clean.
The Air Jets
The jets built into a hot tub are a significant factor in how strong a hydromassage it provides.
Higher-priced hot tubs come with more adjustable jets to your preferences, giving you a perfect, personalised experience.
So, pay attention to how many jets are available and how many different combinations you can use when choosing your hot tub.
The Filtration System
The more effectively a hot tub filters water, the less hands-on you’ll have to be with maintaining water quality. Consider buying a hot tub with a top-of-the-range filter system so you don’t have to spend your time manually cleaning it.
The Lighting
Most hot tubs have LED lights in their seating areas, which lend a calming ambience to an evening dip. Look out for hot tubs with external lights, as that definitely come in handy when you’re trying to hop in and out of your hot tub at night.
Of course, safety is another factor when choosing a hot tub – a reputable supplier will only supply hot tubs that comply with current regulations. Still, you should always ensure it meets all relevant safety standards before buying it.
Choosing the right hot tub can be a daunting task, but with careful research and consideration of your needs, you’ll find one that fits perfectly in your space. Now let’s explore the steps necessary to ensure you choose the best provider and installer for your hot tub.
Takeaway: When shopping for a hot tub, consider the size and features you need and energy efficiency to keep running costs down. Ensure it meets safety standards before buying, and factor regular maintenance requirements into your lifestyle, too – this will help you find the perfect fit without any surprises.
Finding a Good Supplier and Installer
Locating a dependable supplier and installer for your hot tub is vital to guarantee you get the highest quality item and service. The key to finding the right company lies in researching their reputation, quality of products, installation services, customer support and cost.
Check online reviews and speak with friends who have purchased hot tubs recently – they can provide valuable insight into what it was like dealing with particular suppliers.
Ensure you have a clear idea of what hot tub best suits your needs and budget. Look out for features such as energy efficiency ratings that will help keep running costs down. This could be essential if you plan to use your hot tub regularly throughout the year.
Don’t forget about warranties – reputable suppliers should offer at least two years’ cover against manufacturing defects or faults caused by poor workmanship during installation or repairs carried out later down the line.
For the best safety, it is wise to employ a professional electrician for any wiring involved with setting up your hot tub. Using a qualified professional will give you peace of mind knowing that everything has been done correctly and safely.
Customer support is essential for any hot tub owner, so be sure to seek out a company that offers helpful advice via their telephone helpline. You want personnel who can provide fast and accurate answers to your questions and offer beneficial maintenance tips and safety protocols for the day-to-day use of the hot tub.
The price of hot tubs varies significantly between different models available, so it is essential to shop around carefully and consider delivery charges where applicable.
These extra costs can add up considerably, especially when factoring in additional items such as steps/ladders required for safe access to the pool area, plus covers needed to protect the surface finish from damage caused by weather elements over time.
Once setup is complete, however, you’ll have many happy hours spent lounging inside the relaxing waters.
Finding a good supplier and installer is essential for ensuring you get the best quality hot tub at an affordable price. When investing in a hot tub, various elements must be considered when considering running costs – these will be further explored in the following section.
Takeaway: Finding the right supplier for your hot tub requires careful research into their reputation, product quality and installation services. Certified professionals should be used to ensure wiring work is done according to industry standards, while customer support provides peace of mind that all safety protocols are followed. Shopping around carefully will help you get the best deal possible without sacrificing quality or service – so don’t just dive in head first.
Cost of Running a Hot Tub in the UK
Hot tubs require a lot of energy to run. On average, hot tubs may add £20-£30 to your electricity bill each month if running for four hours a day; however, gas or oil heating systems could cost an extra £50-£60 monthly. Be sure to ask your provider if any savings are available for taking advantage of off-peak usage periods before committing.
Maintenance Costs
Regularly maintaining your hot tub is essential to keep it running efficiently and avoid costly repairs. Basic maintenance tasks such as checking water levels and cleaning filters should be done regularly, depending on how often the hot tub is used.
Chemicals must be added to the water to keep it in top condition, with a price tag of roughly £10-£15 per month, depending on the treatment needed. Finally, don’t forget about regular servicing from a qualified technician – this usually costs between £100-£200 every year but can help prevent significant problems further down the line.
Takeaway: When it comes to the cost of owning a hot tub, energy bills and maintenance fees can add up quickly – with electricity costs around £20-£30 per month and regular chemical treatments costing approximately £10-£15. Before deciding whether to invest in a hot tub, it’s essential to consider its ongoing costs.
Buyer Guide
Size
Measure your garden space and count how many seats you actually need. A 6-person hot tub takes up more room and costs more to heat than a 2–4 person model, so buy for the space you use most, not the biggest one that fits.
Running costs
A well-insulated hot tub typically costs £15–£30 a month to run on a standard tariff. Ask for the specific running-cost estimate for the model you’re considering before you buy, not just a general figure.
Installation
Check what’s included: base preparation, delivery access to your garden, electrical connection (a qualified electrician is required for a hardwired hot tub), and how long fitting takes from delivery to first use.
Showroom testing
Always test a hot tub in person before you buy if you can. Sit in it, try the jets, and compare seat depth and legroom across a few models — photos online don’t show how a hot tub actually fits your build.
You can try all of this in person at our Essex showrooms — browse our hot tub range, get your personalised price, or visit our Essex showrooms.
Conclusion
Hot tubs are an excellent investment that can provide relaxation, improved sleep quality and therapeutic benefits.
Before buying, do your due diligence to pick the right hot tub and get a reliable supplier and installer to ensure it is set up correctly. Be mindful of the cost of running a hot tub before committing to one so you know what kind of budgeting needs to be done.
Transform your outdoor living space with the best hot tubs, swim spas and ice baths. With Hot Tubs of London, you can enjoy a luxurious spa experience in the comfort of your own home.
