Looking to buy a hot tub?
Make sure you read this first!

 

We supply and install hundreds of hot tubs around the UK every year, and we often hear the same problems or encounter the same issues that some people haven't considered prior to ordering their spa, so we thought we'd put together some useful considerations for you before the exciting moment arrives... you get to order your hot tub! There's plenty to factor in, such as hot tub running costs and overall health benefits!

 

hot tub crane

1. How will you get the hot tub in?

Access is one of the main barriers to getting a hot tub installed... literally! If you've paid for a Delivery or Delivery & Installation service from us, then you need to read our Delivery & Installation Guide, (downloadable PDF) which gives you all sorts of useful information about access requirements.

Generally speaking, we're going to need a fair amount of width to get our spa kart down the side of your property. If you've got a big, wide driveway then that's great, if you have a small alley with tight turns then it might be a bit more tricky... but don't worry!

If access isn't simple, there's a couple of other options we can explore:

- Fence panel removal. If we're able to get access to a neighbour's garden, we can potentially look at going through a gap in the fence. Note, you'll need to remove the fence panels prior to arrival as we don't offer this service. 

- Crane delivery. If access is really tricky, we may need to look at getting a crane to meet us at your property to lift the hot tub over your house. The crane will lower it perfectly into place, and we'll finish off the installation. Don't panic! A crane doesn't have to cost the earth, and we've had quotes for as little as £400, depending on location and other factors.

Need a crane? Call us and we'll do the work for you and get some suitable quotes.

- HIAB Crane. If we just need to lift the hot tub over a fence or bush/trees and can park a vehicle on the other side, then a HIAB crane may be just the trick. This is a truck with a small crane on the back, and can be considerably more cost effective than a full size crane. 

 


 

hot tub base

2. Have you prepared a suitable base?

It's extremely important to consider the actual surface that the hot tub is going to sit on. 

A full-size hot tub cannot rest on grass... it needs to be a solid, smooth and level base for your hot tub to run efficiently. A large hot tub when full can weigh around 2-tonnes. We strongly recommend a solid, 4-inch thick (minimum) concrete base.

Some people also like to put their hot tub on decking, which is absolutely fine... but it's important to make sure that the decking itself can handle the weight of the hot tub when full of water and people. Extra bracing may be required for ensure that this is suitable. We'd also recommend painting the decking with a non-slip coating for safety.

 


   hot tub in garden

3. How many jets & pumps do you want?

People often think that more jets means a better hot tub, but this is absolutely not the case.

Think of it a bit like a car... if it has more wheels, will that make it go faster? No! But a better engine will.

The pump system is the heart of any hot tub. All of our hot tubs have been carefully designed to balance efficiency and performance.

Some of our spas have two pumps, and some have a twin-speed single pump. 

 


 

hot tub seats

 

4. What seating arrangement would you prefer?

There are so many seating combinations in a hot tub that it can be hard to work out exactly what you want. Would you prefer upright seats, captains chairs, loungers?

Think about who will use the hot tub on a regular basis. If it's just for a couple, something with two loungers would be perfect as you can both lay back and relax in comfort. If your spa is going to be used for parties or family gatherings, then consider something with more upright seats.

Perhaps even look at a round hot tub like our 1000 Series - made to be social, it's perfect for groups. 

 


 

hot tub showroom Nottingham

5. Visit a showroom

Sadly, there are lots of online-only hot tub retailers who prefer to let you buy online without seeing the products first. That should be a huge warning sign for anybody looking for a quality spa. If you're spending a few thousand of your hard-earned pounds on a luxury hot tub for your garden, you need faith that the company providing it is legitimate. 

Here's an example: HotPriceTubs - they had over 100,000 Facebook followers and sold hundreds of hot tubs through their website. After a couple of years their bad behaviour caught up with them. They renamed themselves to Tubs2U and London Spas... but it was the same company with the same dirty tricks. They were even featured on BBC Watchdog... see the video here.

Make sure that any retailer you're considering buying a hot tub from has a full, proper showroom where you can meet the team, touch & feel the products or even have a go in one.

We have a lovely showroom in Nottingham, feel free to pop in and see us or give us a call to make an appointment.

Time to browse the range...

Now that you know what to look out for... check out our fantastic range of spas from just £3999 - we offer 0% APR finance on all our models and do all our own deliveries, installations and servicing. 

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