Are higher priced hot tubs worth it?

The decision to increase your hot tub budget can be overwhelming. Investing more on any item can lead to thoughts of skepticism, ‘Am I truly getting a better product by spending more?’ Nobody wants to make an investment that fails to give back over time. Hopefully, this brief article will better position you to make a great hot tub buying decision.

“What does a buyer gain by increasing their hot tub budget?  Better yet, what ‘should’ you get by spending more on a hot tub?”

Frequently Asked Question

In general, spending more up front on a hot tub should limit reoccurring cost, saving you time and money over the long haul.

Spending less means the opposite, which is to increase the risk of reoccurring cost throughout ownership. All hot tub price points have their purpose. Some buyers are not concerned about recurring cost while others are adamant about securing the best 15-20 year experience possible. Some shoppers hope to find a balance between price and long term quality and support. The good news is there is something for everyone!

So what should you look for when contemplating spending more on a hot tub?

This is the ultimate question and there are ways to identify whether or not the perceived value of a product is legitimate. Below are some areas to be curious about when doing your research.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The more you spend the clearer the explanation should be as to why the specific hot tub being considering is more energy efficient. Energy efficiency has always been, and still is, a clear differentiation between cheaper and more expensive hot tub options.

For example, many premium hot tubs have what is called a circulation pump. This mini-pump slowly circulates the hot tub’s water through the heater and filter area 24/7 preventing the larger, hydrotherapy jet pumps, from having to tackle this task. The addition of a circulation pump truly leads to lower energy bills and extends the life of the hot tubs larger jet pumps. It’s an upgrade that will save you money over the long haul!

The more you spend should translate to a better insulated hot tub. Premium options should be fully insulated (like your home!) without question. It is not uncommon for cheap hot tubs to add a piece of 1” think foam to the inner cabinet of the hot tub and call it a day. This is not an approach that saves customers money over time, especially in our home state of South Dakota! Hot Spring uses Fibercore in the majority of its hot tubs and a robust multi-layered insulating system is used for their most expensive hot tub options.

Hot tub covers should never be overlooked. Some hot tub manufactures produce their own covers, designed to perfectly fit the hot tub models they make while others have covers made elsewhere. Typically, in-house made hot tub covers fit more snug, and do a better job at sealing in heat and saving hot tub owners money.

WATER CARE OPTIONS

Investing more should improve the water care options available to be used. These days, the best hot tubs on the market have integrated water care systems. The Freshwater Water Salt system by Hot Spring Spas allows users to make water care adjustments at the press of a button. Systems like this make hot tub ownership more enjoyable because when the water is right you will also use your hot tub more which means maximizing your investment. We often tell people the most expensive hot tub a person buys is the one they do not use. A great water care system leads to consistent usage!

Investing more should result in a better massage. This is a topic that trips up a lot of shoppers. Manufacturers know lots of jets in a tub is eye-catching to consumers.We encourage shoppers to take a close look at the actual jets themselves and be curious about how they move water and improve massage. Climbing the price ladder should lead to a smarter and more specific message, not necessarily a higher jet count. The Moto-Massage by Hot Spring for example, is one jet capable of massaging the entire back in a unique and profound way offering a much better and unique experience.

WARRANTY

Increasing your hot tub shopping budget can also lead to acquiring a better warranty and support if something unfortunate does happen. If you are spending north of $10,000 the hot tubs warranty should be very clear and offer up to 5 years of coverage on parts and labor. In our experience, hot tub heaters is where a lot of consumers get tricked.  Manufacturers will promise full coverage of a faulty heater within the warranty period only to deny it, in small print, over poor water quality.  The fact is, poor water quality is subjective and leaves an open door for the manufacture to deny warranty claims.  This is why the No-Fault Heater by Hot Spring is so popular.  If it fails within the warranty period it gets replaced with no questions asked about water quality.  The takeaway is, spending more money on a hot tub should include a better warranty with no loopholes.

There is certainly more to discuss when justifying reasons to spend a little more on your hot tub; How important are aesthetics?  Is it a full or part time residence? Do you like the idea of advanced technology and automation? Your local dealership should be able to effectively help you with these questions and guide you toward an investment that makes sense! 

For more information on hot tub budges feel free to contact us, come in and see us in Rapid City or Spearfish or follow us on Facebook.  Be well!