Whether you are buying a hot tub for the first time or replacing an older one, choosing the right model can be confusing. If you need help choosing the perfect hot tub for you and your family, then you’ve come to the right place! This blog will help you decide what kind of hot tub you should get and what features are important to you.
1. Types of hot tubs
There are many types of hot tubs but they can be broken down into two general categories: 13amp or 32amp.
13amp Hot Tubs
13amp spas are frequently referred to as ‘plug & play’ spas. They’ve grown in popularity in recent years as they do not require a complex electrical setup. All it needs is power from a dedicated basic three-pin plug (of course, not a standard extension from inside the house but secured by steel wire armour and RCDs).
All of the 13amp hot tubs available through BlueFish can be configured as either 13amp or 32amp, giving you the choice of both options.
32amp Hot Tubs
A 32amp hot tub is a hot tub that is configured for a 32amp electrical supply. It cannot be powered with a standard three-pin plug found in the home.
32amp hot tubs available through BlueFish are of two types, the first are the 32amp configurations of our 13amp hot tubs. These will have the same number of pumps and jets, the only difference will be the power supply and that there is enough power for the heater and pump to operate simultaneously.
The second type of 32amp hot tubs available through BlueFish are our dedicated 32amp hot tubs. These tend to be more powerful, with more pumps and the ability to run the heater and the pumps at the same time.
The complications of installing up a 32amp supply in your garden will typically make this option a more expensive up-front option. This additional cost is easily offset by the benefits and features you get if this option is right for you and your family.
2. Factors to consider when buying a hot tub
The cost and quality of the hot tub
One of the first things you will consider is the cost of the hot tub. You may be surprised at how reasonable many hot tubs are to buy. Price isn’t always everything, however, and not always an indicator of the quality of the build.
Be wary of hot tubs that appear cheap in price, including inflatable ones. Often, they turn out not to be cheap when you add up all the costs over the life of the hot tub, and you may find that a cheaper spa is considerably more expensive (in the long run) than hot tubs built with more quality.
Firstly, a cheap hot tub will use far more power to heat up the water, as the manufacturer cuts corners on insulation and energy-efficient engineering, while a more expensive model will use far less. This is important especially with rising energy prices. If energy costs are important to you, check out our award-winning R10 and R18 ranges which have won awards such as the UK Pool and Spa Awards Winner for Most Energy Efficient Hot Tubs 2020 and What Spa Best Buy 2021.
Secondly, because of corners cut, cheap hot tubs tend to cost more in maintenance and be more prone to breakages and issues. This can mean that costly repairs soon weigh heavy on your wallet and surpass the cost of a more quality hot tub.
The size of the hot tub
One of the second most important factors to look at is how many people will be using your hot tub, and how much room you have available for the hot tub.
Generally, the more people you’ll want to fit in your hot tub, the bigger it will be.
The amount of people using your hot tub is also going to impact how much time you spend in it each day and the build-quality of the spa you’ll want to choose. A spa that’s used by a few people multiple times per week may require less maintenance than a spa that’s used by dozens of people multiple times per week.
If it’s going to get a lot of usage by big groups at a time, opt for a more powerful spa that is built well. If it’s going to get occasional usage and by smaller groups, you don’t really need to go for a 32amp monster.
The features of the hot tub
Thirdly, consider what features are important to you. Things like colour-changing LEDs, curtain waterfalls and water fountains, Bluetooth speakers, non-float loungers, cup holders and headrests.
There’s a wide range of hot tubs out there with a wide range of features. Consider which ones are most important for you and narrow down your search.
Where to place your hot tub
Another important consideration is then where you’ll place your new hot tub. Selecting a location for your spa is a big decision. You’ll want to consider the following:
- Level Foundation - Make sure the location is level. Water can get away from the spa, causing damage and tripping a circuit breaker or RCD, so check that there's no drainage away from your spa.
- Structurally Sound - Ensure that your spa's location will be on a structurally sound area. A filled-up spa can weigh a lot, so be certain that the location you choose can sustain the weight of a full spa.
- Water Drainage - Situate the equipment compartment, which houses all the electric components, in a location where water won't drain toward it.
- Access to the Spa & Electrics - Make sure that you will have easy access to the circuit breakers, RCD's, and the spa's panel. In addition to that, make sure you have easy access to the entire front of the spa so that you can periodically check it for damage and maintenance.
3. Choosing the right hot tub manufacturer
Once you’ve got an idea of what type of hot tub you’d like and with what features, it’s time to get looking. Make sure that the dealer you choose to buy from has access to leading, award-winning and reputable manufacturers.
BlueFish Hot Tubs are part of the Spa Care UK family, so you can be confident that the service you receive from us is some of the best in the UK. Our spas come from the most exciting and pioneering hot tub manufacturers operating in the UK, bringing you the latest in hot tub innovation and technology.
Many of the spas we supply are award-winning, and our manufacturers are leading the way in energy efficiency.
Our R10 Range are from Sunbeach Spas. They have running costs as low as £14 per month thanks to the R-10 insulation and R-10 hardcover which saves on average 41.3% energy compared to a hot tub with only thin insulation at the shell.
The spas in our R18 Range are from Oasis Spas. They’re built with a 6-layer insulated American acrylic shell and further insulated with R18 wall-to-wall full foam, meaning they too cost far less than other hot tubs on the market.
Our Storm Range has changed the hot tub industry and what it means to have a ‘plug and play’ hot tub. With its pioneering Stormforce 9™ Pumps, you have the option of two pumps on a 13amp hot tub. This offers a massive 4HP, matching the high specification of a 32amp hot tub, while only requiring a 13amp supply. The Stormforce 9™ Pumps let you have a circulation pump for efficiency and 2 x 2HP pumps for outstanding power distributed over more jets.
4. Financing your hot tub purchase
A final consideration is about how to finance your hot tub purchase. Many dealers such as BlueFish Hot Tubs allow you to pay in two instalments – the upfront deposit to secure your hot tub, and the remaining balance which is typically due a few days before delivery.
Many people do finance their hot tub purchase through a credit card or a loan, though this is a personal decision and should be weighed up carefully.
Summary
Choosing a hot tub doesn’t have to be difficult, and should be a fun decision! Take your time to choose a hot tub that meets your needs. What do you want it to do for you? What is the waiting time? What’s your budget? Weighing up these considerations will help you make the right choice.