Choosing the Perfect Hot Tub: Size, Durability, Brand, and Warranty

Buying your dream hot tub can be a significant investment so it’s important to consider all of the factors that will impact your experience.

When you buy any hot tub, there will certainly be some initial satisfaction and excitement about your purchase. However, as time goes by, you might start to wonder if you made the right decision when you either:

• Get your first energy bill
• Use another hot tub and realise yours isn’t as good
• Feel underwhelmed by a hydrotherapy treatment
• Have people rejecting invitations to your house!
• Realise that you don’t often use it

The final point is usually a good indicator that you didn’t buy the right hot tub.

If you make a significant investment in a hot tub and you are finding yourself not using it at least a few times a week, including during the colder months, this is probably a sign that you didn’t buy your dream hot tub that you’ll get the enjoyment you expect from it for years to come.

On the face of it, most hot tubs are similar. They all claim to do the same things, and they may even look identical for the most part!

Although it might take a bit longer to learn about the benefits of all your options, your future self will thank you if you take the time to learn about how all hot tubs aren’t made equal.

A hot tub provides a retreat from the stresses of everyday life and a place to connect with family and friends. With so many models, brands and features to choose from, it’s essential to do your research if you want to be satisfied with your investment many years from now.

In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing a hot tub to help you make an informed decision that you won’t regret 6 months down the line.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Hot Tub

When choosing a hot tub, there are several key factors to consider. These include:

• Size and capacity
• Jets and hydrotherapy features
• Energy efficiency
• Maintenance and financial/time costs
• Durability
• Brand and warranties

Each of these factors should be considered if you want to want to own an experience that you never get bored of.

Now, we’re going to look at each of these key factors in a bit more depth.

Size and Capacity

First of all, consider how many people will be using the hot tub and if you can see yourself inviting guests over to enjoy the social experience with you.

If you have children, they might invite their friends over as they get older, so getting a spa that is the right size for now might not always be in the future. That’s not to say you should ever buy bigger for the sake of it, but if after your research you decide to choose Hydropool, you shouldn’t need to buy another hot tub for at least 10 years or more.

Buying a hot tub that is bigger than what you need does come with additional cost implications.

Firstly, the initial outlay is likely to be higher. Then the additional size will generally cause additional running expenses, from energy to chemicals.

Jets and Hydrotherapy Features

Let’s start with probably the biggest misconception in the entire hot tub industry. We’ll put this on its own line to make it clear!

More jets does NOT mean a better massage.

Here’s an analogy that demonstrates how this is the case.

Imagine you are making a cup of coffee; the power of your hot tub pump(s) is the amount of coffee you have. The amount of jets you have is how much water you put in.

If you have too much water (jets) for the amount of coffee (pump power) you have, you’re going to have a pretty weak coffee!

That’s why it’s essential to consider the quality and design of the jets, as well as the overall power of the hot tub’s pump(s).

Hydropool hot tubs are never underpowered. Our goal is to offer the best hot tub hydrotherapy on the market with minimal running costs, using our Evergreen pumps. You can find more information about how our Evergreen pumps don’t compromise on power in our brochure.

Now that’s out the way, let’s continue!

A well-designed hot tub will have jets that provide a range of massage experiences, from a deep tissue massage to a gentle, soothing massage.

Hydropool hot tubs are designed to provide an unparalleled hydrotherapy experience that helps improve circulation, relieve tension and tightness, and promote overall wellness. After all, Hydropool is synonymous with hydrotherapy!

One of the most important features to consider is the type and quality of the jets. Hydropool hot tubs often use up to 11 different types of jets in each hot tub to ensure that every targeted body tissue is treated most efficiently to relieve tightness and tension at the source.

A mixture of P-Class, L-Class, T-Class, and U-Class jets ensures that each area gets the most effective type of massage.

• P-Class jets deliver a penetrating deep-tissue massage.
• L-Class jets provide a softer massage on delicate pressure points.
• T-Class jets are for neck and paravertebral muscles.
• U-Class jets are muscle-release jets that promote relaxation and increase circulation.

Strategically Placed and Adjustable

As a result of our understanding of the ergonomics of the human body after over 40 years of research and innovation, the jets in every Hydropool spa are strategically placed throughout to target specific muscle groups and provide a personalised massage experience.

Most jets are also easy to unscrew by hand and replace, giving you the opportunity to create a bespoke massage experience without needing any tools!

As well as being ergonomically designed and featuring unique hydrotherapy jets, the seats also serve another purpose. 

They are laid out to maximise the efficiency of the filtration and self-cleaning systems, with the jets pushing the water in the general direction of the filtration systems to assist the process without the need for additional ‘sucking’ power.

We’ll get to maintenance later on!

Hot Tub Wellness Programs & Zone Therapy

Our Self-Cleaning hot tub range come equipped with built-in wellness programs that guide users through a massage customised to their specific needs.

Simply choose one of the 8 Wellness Programs on your control panel and let the LED lights guide you around the spa for a treatment designed to relieve your symptoms, whether they be leg pain, back pain, stress, headache, insomnia, or fatigue.

The hot tub will automatically toggle particular jets that are part of each treatment so you don’t have to spend time trying to hit the right spots.

If you hadn’t noticed, we take hydrotherapy seriously.

In all Hydropool hot tubs, there are at least 4 Zones that each relieve tightness and tension from the source. Each Wellness Program will guide you through the different areas and provide the perfect massage for instant relief. As you know already, one jet doesn’t fit all, so you will find different jets and placements used to offer the most scientifically suitable massage for each area of the body.

The 4 Zones are:

• Core Zone – Activation of paravertebral muscles
• Overall Body Zone – Activation of leg and lumbar muscles
• Upper Body Zone – Activation of upper back, neck & shoulder muscles
• Reflexology Zone – Activation of foot arch muscles

Easily unscrewing and swapping most of the jets by hand makes for the ultimate customisable experience.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important consideration when purchasing a hot tub, as it can significantly impact running costs over time.

Hydropool spas are designed to provide the superior hydrotherapy that we have already talked about, but to make them viable for sale in the Canadian market, where Hydropool was founded, energy efficiency was and still is paramount. Hydropool spas are some of the most energy-efficient in the world, so when you buy a hot tub in Plymouth, energy efficiency with a Hydropool is not an issue.

Hydrowise Thermal Technology incorporates four key elements that work together to optimize energy usage and reduce running costs.

• The Hydrowise Heat Shield Cover is designed to keep heat inside the hot tub and cold air out. This cover is highly effective at preventing heat loss, even in cold weather.
• The Low Amperage Evergreen Pump produces high flow rates with low energy usage, making it 25-32% more efficient than our main competitors.
• The Nasa-Inspired Insulated Thermal Shield Blanket reflects heat given off by the spa back into the heat-absorbing pipes to be used to heat the water again.
• Programmable controls give users the ability to customise settings and put the hot tub into energy efficiency mode when it’s not in use.

Insulated Cover

To reduce energy usage, it’s important to keep the cover on when the spa is not in use. This might sound obvious, but many people leave their hot tub open all day, when it is quick and easy to pull the cover on (particularly if you have a convenient Hydropool cover remover).

Closing the lid of the spa when not in use helps trap heat inside and prevents the system from having to constantly heat the water to maintain the desired temperature.

The cover should be well-made, durable, lockable, and have insulation around the fold.

Hot tubs with customisation settings that include the ability to reduce water temperature can also help to reduce energy usage.

CEC-Certified Models

When shopping for a hot tub, it’s important to look for models with efficient pumps that have the highest flow rates with the lowest energy output.

CEC (California Energy Commission)-certified models, like Hydropool spas, meet strict energy efficiency standards and are a top choice for energy-conscious buyers. Hydropool was actually the world’s first brand to be certified by the CEC, and we’ve only improved our energy efficiency since to continue delivering for our clients.

When being mindful of the amount of energy your spa is going to use, you should consider the water volume of the hot tub. Larger models with more water will require more electricity to keep the water heated.

By choosing an energy-efficient hot tub and implementing energy-saving measures, owners can significantly reduce their hot tub’s energy consumption and save money on running costs over time.

Maintenance

Maintaining a hot tub is the worst part of owning one.

Hot tub maintenance is essential for ensuring that your spa is safe to use, but it can be time-consuming.

When choosing a hot tub, how much maintenance it requires should be a factor that affects your decision if you don’t want to spend as much time maintaining your spa as you do using it.

While we’re on the subject, we might as well touch on how easy it is to maintain a Hydropool spa!

Hydropool signature self-cleaning hot tubs and swim spas require less maintenance than other brands, due to their patent-protected self-cleaning system that uses six elements, including:

• HydroClean Filtration Jets
• High-Flow Skimmer & Pre-Filter
• HydroClean Floor Vacuum
• Pressurised Micro-Filtration
• PureWater System
• Self-Clean Indicator

You can learn about how our 6 stage self-cleaning system works in our brochure.

Use 50% Fewer Chemicals and Drain 50% Less Frequently

With the Hydropool self-cleaning system, you can use up to 50% fewer chemicals and drain the hot tub half as much as you would with a hot tub without Hydropool’s self-cleaning system. This is because our unique self-cleaning and swimming pool filtration systems do a lot of the work for you without the need of additional chemicals.

The Hydropool PureWater System uses a combination of ozone and UV-C to destroy over 99% of contaminants, reducing the amount of sanitiser you have to use and minimising the need to shock the water with additional chemicals to remove the clouding that occurs.

Oxidising water to keep it clear is an important part of keeping your spa safe and attractive that many people don’t discuss. If you’re like us, you’d prefer to be putting fewer granules of artificial chemicals in your spa~ water.

The ozone chamber in the PureWater system oxidises the water naturally and helps prevent it from going cloudy, while the UV-C light alters the form of bacteria to stop them from reproducing.

This reduces the need to use as much sanitiser, such as chlorine or bromine, to kill them as these get ‘used up’ when they come into contact with, and bind to, bacteria and contaminants.

Hydropool’s Signature Self-Cleaning spas use swimming pool filtration to filter 100% of the water every 15 minutes, while our swim spas filter 100% of the water every 45 minutes.

Our patented floor vacuum, as well as jet and seat placement, work to remove residue from the surface and floor of the spa without the need for additional power that would cost you money in the long term.

The hydrotherapy jets are positioned to make the filtration system as efficient as possible by directing water to it, resulting in minimal residue in the water, and therefore less need to drain and refill the hot tub.

Draining the hot tub is also something that is not often discussed during sales pitches from our competitors. It’s something that more often than not you will have to ask about as it can create an ugly image of long Sundays spent draining your spa and vacuuming the residue from the floor.

With a Hydropool self-cleaning spa, you can enjoy your hot tub without the worry of frequent maintenance and you may only choose to drain and refill your spa every 6-12 months if you wish, as opposed to the standard 3 months which is normally advised.

Materials and Durability

A hot tub or swim spa is a significant investment, so you want to be sure that you are going to get maximum value from it. While Hydropool spas are not the cheapest, they are built to last and are constructed using premium quality materials to ensure maximum durability and longevity.

Their quality is a result of over 40 years of hot tub and swim spa research and innovation, and our confidence is demonstrated by our warranties, which we will talk about in the next section.

Each hot tub is constructed using a reinforced acrylic shell and fibreglass backing for added strength and rigidity. This ensures that your hot tub is able to withstand the toughest weather conditions and regular usage without any issues.

The thermal shield cover that we discussed in the Energy Efficiency section is made from high-quality marine-grade vinyl material that is both durable and long-lasting to keep your spa insulated.

The frames of Hydropool hot tubs and swim spas are made from pressure-treated Canadian lumber, which is known for its strength, stability, and ability to resist warping or cracking. This ensures that your hot tub or swim spa will be able to withstand the test of time.

Moreover, Hydropool hot tubs and swim spas come equipped with advanced features such as digital controls, LED lighting, and powerful massage jets that are designed to provide an optimal user experience while ensuring maximum durability.

Hydropool is committed to providing high-quality products that are built to last. They offer an industry-leading warranty on all of their hot tubs and swim spas, giving you the peace of mind that your investment is protected for years to come. With proper maintenance, you can expect your Hydropool hot tub or swim spa to provide years of enjoyment and relaxation.

Brand and Warranty

When it comes to hot tubs, there are many brands to choose from, but not all brands are created equal. Hydropool is a brand that stands out in terms of both quality and longevity. With over 40 years of experience in the hot tub industry, Hydropool has built a reputation for producing hot tubs that are designed for superior hydrotherapy treatments and maximum energy efficiency.

One of the key ways that Hydropool sets itself apart from other hot tub brands is with its industry-leading 10-year guarantee. This guarantee covers the structure of the hot tub, the shell, and the plumbing, giving customers peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected for a decade. This warranty is a testament to the high level of quality that Hydropool puts into each and every hot tub they produce.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hot tub brands emerged, looking to cash in on the increased demand for home relaxation and wellness products.

However, not all of these brands had the same level of experience and dedication to quality that Hydropool has. Some of these brands were simply looking to make a quick profit, without truly understanding what it takes to produce a high-quality hot tub that will stand the test of time.

In contrast, Hydropool has been in the hot tub business for over 40 years and has been consistently innovating and improving its products throughout that time. They understand what it takes to produce a hot tub that is both comfortable and therapeutic, and they have a proven track record of doing so.

Overall, if you are in the market for a hot tub, it’s important to consider both the brand and the warranty before making a purchase. With Hydropool, you can be confident that you are investing in a high-quality product that is backed by a comprehensive warranty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right hot tub for your needs can be a challenging decision, but Hydropool makes it easy with its range of high-quality hot tubs. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Hydropool has proven to be a reliable and trustworthy brand, delivering innovative designs, superior hydrotherapy treatments, and maximum energy efficiency.

Hydropool’s commitment to quality is reflected in its industry-leading 10-year guarantee, which is unmatched by many other brands in the market. With a focus on durability, ease of use, and energy efficiency, Hydropool hot tubs are designed to provide an enjoyable and relaxing experience for years to come.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has seen many hot tub brands popping up looking to make quick money, Hydropool stands out as a brand that has been around for decades, consistently providing quality products and exceptional customer service. So, if you’re looking to buy a hot tub in Devon, consider Hydropool and experience the benefits of hydrotherapy in the comfort of your own backyard.