Simple guide to buying your first hot tub

Thinking of buying your first hot tub but don’t know where to start? We can help. In this guide, we cover the basics from choosing the right size and type to finding a reputable retailer, but to begin let’s look at the things you need to consider before you buy.  

Consider these things before you buy   

Before you dive into buying your first hot tub, it’s worth stepping back and looking at the room you have available. This will affect the size and type of hot tub that you can accommodate in your garden or outdoor living space. When you’re measuring up, keep in mind that you’ll need to be able to access the sides of your hot tub for maintenance. 

As a rough guide, you can expect the size of a hard-shelled hot tub to measure:  

You’ll need a solid level surface that can support the weight of a hot tub, and within easy reach of a power supply. Some ‘plug and play’ hot tubs run off a 13 amp three-pin plug, while others need a dedicated 32 amp power supply installed by a qualified electrician. 

For hard-shelled hot tubs, concrete is best, but gravel, patio slabs and block paving are suitable. It’s also worth thinking about how you would accommodate a hot tub canopy or gazebo in your garden, if you want to create a private oasis dedicated to relaxation. 

How to pick the size of your hot tub 

When you’re deciding what sized hot tub to get, the space you have available is the most obvious consideration, but you’ll also need to think about the following. 

• How many people are going to be using the hot tub? 
• Will you be using your hot tub for entertaining 
• How often do you plan for your guests to use your hot tub? 
• Would you like to include lounge seats? 

If the people you live with are the only ones who will be using it frequently, then a small hot tub will be cheaper to buy and more economical to run. However, if your plan is to entertain guests regularly, then you’ll need a larger hot tub with more seats. 

The key thing here is to think about how often you’ll need those extra seats and weigh up whether it’s worth paying the extra money to buy and run a bigger hot tub. 

It’s important to consider comfort too, especially if you are tall. You might prefer fewer seats but more space so you can stretch out – lounger seats are ideal for this. This type of seat allows you to lay back and enjoy the benefits of a full body massage. 

Choosing the right type of hot tub

There are two main types of hot tub – hard shelled and inflatable. It’s generally accepted that while inflatable hot tubs are cheaper to buy, they’re not economical to run and they certainly don’t last as long. If you’re looking for an alternative to a hard-shelled hot tub that doesn’t fall under the bracket of inflatable, then consider a Softub instead. 

Hard-shelled hot tubs (£4,000 – £20,000)

Hard-shelled hot tubs are usually made from a strong plastic, like acrylic. They have a hard base and side panels, and they also have their own internal heating system.  

Unlike their inflatable counterparts, these hot tubs remain a permanent fixture in your garden all-year round, and because they’re so good at retaining heat, you can still use them in the cold winter months (consider getting a hot tub canopy for extra shelter). 

Pros 

• Insulated for use all year-round 
• Hard-wearing 
• Comes with a variety of jets and nozzles  

Cons 

• More expensive to buy than an inflatable hot tub
• Cannot be moved or stowed away

Softub hot tubs (£5,000 to £9,000) 

Softubs – made from an innovative lightweight foam material – combine the durability of a hard-shelled tub with the portability of an inflatable alternative. Not only can this lightweight hot tub be moved easily (or stowed away in the winter), but its tough surround can be customised in your choice of colours to suit your outdoor space. 

Though hard-shelled systems are known for having better features than other types of hot tubs on the market, the Softub is equipped with powerful massage jets, LED lights and the option to add in things like steps and head rests. In fact, it’s so impressive that the Softub Resort T300 won WhatSpa’s best buy award five years running! 

Pros 

• Durable and portable 
• Available in a wide range of colours 
• Powerful jets included 

Cons 

• Smaller than hard-shelled hot tubs 

How to find a reputable hot tub retailer 

It’s tempting to think that you’ll find a better deal if you buy your hot tub online, but how will you know you’re getting a quality product? If a deal looks too good to be true, it’s probably because the hot tub you’re buying is made from poor quality parts. 

We recommend finding a retailer with a showroom you can visit, so you can see the quality for yourself, but above all we encourage you to ask lots of questions. 

Before you settle on a retailer, check if they offer nationwide delivery and installation.  

Our team are on-hand to help you through the buying process from beginning to end – even after you’ve taken delivery of your hot tub.  At Hot Tubs & Living, we provide comprehensive warranty as standard on all our hot tubs for your peace of mind. 

Visit our York showroom for over 150 square metres of hot tub inspiration. With over 50 hot tubs on display and live demonstrations running all day, it’s well worth a visit. And, if you’re looking to add some glamour to your garden, ask about our hot tub gazebos.