The Pros and Cons of Buying a Hot Tub

The votes are in for buying a hot tub. The consensus for whether or not people should buy a hot tub is--maybe.

One of the things all current hot tub owners agree is that prospective buyers should do their research before they commit. With this in mind, we’re going to offer the stripped down pros and cons of hot tub ownership.

Pros

We have already discussed the health benefits of a hot tub. You can read about that here. The health benefits are numerous, and people who have never owned a hot tub are often surprised, since, as one owner put it, “I come out a different person than the man who went in.”
Older people also say a soak in the hot tub counterbalances some of the effects of age, such as arthritis pain and general stiffness.

One hot tub owner said having good steps made all the difference in his hot tub experience.

Other hot tub owners say there is nothing like a hot tub under the stars to help them relax and put the cares of the day behind them. Couples and families report that being together in the hot tub gives them a chance to spend quality time together. One parent said that it was a great way to get her teenage children to relax and open up without interruptions about things going on in their lives.

Entertainment was another high value perceived by hot tub owners. Whether it was smaller parties with another couple or half the hockey team, some hot tub owners offered the chance socialize as a significant plus.

Control of different aspects of the hot tub was also listed as a plus. Everything from being able to control the temperature to a choice of chemicals, since some individuals find chlorine ‘user unfriendly’.

Don't forget the self-closing, five-foot gate the city wants you to have when you're creating a cost estimate.

Cons

The initial cost of a hot tub, including the fence legally required by the City of Phoenix (if your hot tub is outdoors), is going to need some additional capital outlay, depending on the size of the hot tub.

Beyond that, many hot tub owners felt they should have made a point of more careful research into the possible amenities. One homeowner said the upgrades steps he purchased for his above-ground hot tub made a world of difference in his stability.

Higher energy and water bills, all of which will continue for the life of the hot tub. In fact, as time goes on, these may become substantially higher.

The social aspect of hot tubs was listed as a 'pro', but when it's your teenager's entire debate team, you might want to drain the tub afterwards.

Maintenance and repairs were also listed as a con. Some hot tub buyers, dizzy with the rosy picture painted by the salesman, didn’t realize the importance of weekly cleaning, including pH testing, adding chemicals such as chlorine or bromine, and cleaning the filter. Neglect of maintenance nearly always resulted in more problems. One shrewd hot tub owner bought two filters, so he could alternate them and thus have the assurance there would be a clean filter every week. 

Draining and refilling were also listed as cons, usually done quarterly, but individuals who were careful not to introduce contaminants claimed they could drain their hot tub less often.

Each of these presents different challenges, which should be explored thoroughly before making a final decision.

While some homeowners insist that their hot tub was the best investment they ever made in a ‘toy’ others say their hot tub as given them nothing but grief and headaches. You are the best person to decide for yourself. You know your needs,  your budget, the amount of effort you’re willing to commit to long-term maintenance, (or, at least the commitment to having the maintenance done for you), and the feasibility of a hot tub making a significant impact on your quality of life. 

If you need pool maintenance for your Phoenix, Arizona pool or spa, call us here at Serenity Pools. Our services include new installation set-up, professional maintenance of pools and spas, water features, and fountains. Call today! 480-370-0579