7 Common Spa Buying Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

You’re thinking about buying a spa, and that’s exciting. You picture yourself re​laxing under the stars, jets massaging away the day’s stress. But that dream can turn sour if you make a few common spa buying mistakes.

Getting your spa pool buy right from the start saves you headaches and money, so you can just focus on the relaxation and health benefits. This guide will help you sidestep the biggest spa buying mistakes people make. 

It’s easy to get swept up in the showroom excitement when you shop for spa pools. You see all the shiny models and listen to the sales pitches. This is where things can go wrong if you aren’t prepared for the hot tub buying process.

Critical Spa Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Buying one of today’s modern hot tubs is a big decision. It’s an investment in your home and your well-being. That’s why it pays to be careful and avoid the traps that many new tub owners fall into.

1. Only Looking at the Purchase Price

Everyone has a budget, so it’s natural to start by looking at the price tag. Focusing only on that initial number is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. The true hot tub cost includes much more than the day-one price.

The real cost of a spa isn’t just what you pay upfront; it’s the total cost of ownership over many years. This includes the monthly operating costs to keep it hot and ready. This is where a cheap spa can quickly become very expensive.

Lower-priced hot tubs often cut corners in places you can’t see, like insulation and pump efficiency. This results in you paying less at the store but significantly more every month on your power bill. An energy efficient model might cost more initially but saves you money over the life of the tub.

Think about it like buying a car. A super cheap car might seem like a great deal at first. But if it has poor gas mileage and needs constant repairs, you lose money in the long run.

A quality hot tub will likely have superior insulation and energy-efficient equipment. This difference can save you hundreds of dollars a year in running costs. A good hot tub should be an asset, not a constant drain on your wallet.

When you’re shopping, ask your local dealer about the estimated monthly operating costs for the model you’re looking at. A good salesperson should provide a realistic number based on your climate. If they dodge the question, that might be a red flag that you’re buying the wrong hot tub.

2. Underestimating the Importance of Insulation

What’s the single biggest factor in your spa’s monthly cost? It’s not the jets or the fancy lights. It is the insulation.

Your spa’s job is to keep a large amount of water hot, 24/7. The heater works to maintain that temperature. The better the insulation, the less heat escapes and the less the heater has to run.

Some companies make big claims about their insulation, but not all insulation is created equal. There are a few main types you will find in hot tubs. Understanding the difference is crucial for any tub buying journey.

• Foam on Shell: This is common in entry-level spas. A layer of foam is sprayed directly onto the back of the spa’s shell. It’s better than nothing, but it leaves plumbing exposed to cold air inside the cabinet, which is a major source of heat loss.
• Perimeter Insulation: Here, foam boards are placed on the inside of the spa cabinet. This creates a barrier against the outside air and helps trap waste heat generated by the pumps. It is a definite step up from having only foam on the shell.
• Full Foam Insulation: This is often considered the gold standard for a quality hot tub. The entire interior cabinet is filled with dense foam, encasing the plumbing. This provides the best heat retention and adds structural support to the plumbing, reducing vibrations and leak potential.

Full foam insulation is one of the most important things to look for. You might have to pay more for a spa with this feature. But the monthly savings on your electric bill can quickly pay for that difference over time.

Ask the dealer to show you what’s inside the cabinet. A reputable dealer will be happy to remove a side panel to display the insulation. They can explain why their method is effective for keeping operating costs low.

3. Forgetting About Regular Maintenance

A spa is not an appliance you just plug in and forget about; hot tub it’s more like a small, personal pool. It needs regular care to stay clean, safe, and in good working order. Underestimating maintenance is a frequent misstep for new hot tub owners.

Many first-time buyers are surprised by the maintenance required. They think the filters and chemicals will magically do everything. That assumption can lead to cloudy water, skin irritation, and even damage to spa components.

So what does the maintenance you’ll perform involve? It is not that difficult, but you have to be consistent. You will need to check and adjust the water chemistry about once a week.

This means testing the pH and sanitizer levels with test strips or a liquid kit. You’ll add small amounts of the chemicals needed to keep the water balanced for clean water. Balanced water is not just pleasant; it protects your health and prevents damage to heaters, jets, and pillows.

You will also need to clean the filters regularly, which is usually a quick job with a garden hose. Depending on usage, you might rinse them every couple of weeks and do a deep clean every few months. Excellent filtration systems make this process much simpler.

Before you buy, find out the recommended maintenance schedule for the model you like. Ask the salesperson these questions:

• What specific chemicals does this spa need to operate?.
• How often should I clean or replace the filters?.
• What is the typical weekly time commitment for maintenance?.
• Does it have any automated systems, like an ozone generator or UV sanitizer, to help keep the water clean?.

Some modern hot tubs have advanced water care systems, like the True Water™ system, that make maintenance much easier. These systems can reduce the amount of chemicals you need. They also help keep the water cleaner for longer, which is a fantastic feature to look for.

4. Not Planning for Placement and Installation

One of the biggest spa buying mistakes happens before you even visit a showroom: failing to plan where the tub will go. You find the perfect hot tub, make the purchase, and then realize it won’t fit through the gate. A proper tub install requires forethought.

First, you need a solid, level surface. Most hot tubs, when filled with water and people, can weigh several thousand pounds. A concrete pad is ideal, but a properly reinforced deck or a prefabricated spa pad can also work.

Next, consider the electrical requirements for your hot tub install. Smaller, “plug-and-play” models may run on a standard 120V outlet, but they often can’t run the heater and jets at the same time. Most larger hot tubs require a 240V connection installed by a licensed electrician, which is an added cost to factor into your budget.

Finally, think about delivery access. Measure the path from your driveway to the final location, including any gates, corners, or overhead obstacles. A smooth delivery and installation sets a positive tone for your entire hot tub ownership experience.

5. Overlooking Key Features and Accessories

When you’re in the showroom, it’s easy to be wowed by the sheer number of jets. But not all hot tub features are created equal, and focusing on jet count alone is a mistake. The quality, placement, and type of jets matter far more.

Think about why you’re buying a hot tub. Are you looking for powerful hydrotherapy for a sore back, or gentle relaxation? Look at the variety of jets; some provide a broad, swirling massage while others offer a targeted, deep-tissue feel, affecting the overall water pressure you experience.

Seating is another critical feature. Do you prefer a lounge seat where you can fully recline, or do you want more open seating to accommodate friends and family? The perfect hot tub you’re considering should fit your body comfortably and meet your social needs.

Don’t forget about essential hot tub accessories. A quality, well-fitting cover is crucial for energy efficiency and safety. A cover lifter makes it effortless for one person to open and close the tub, encouraging you to use it more often.

6. Rushing the Research Process

In our fast-paced world, we often want things right away. But rushing a hot tub purchase without doing your homework is a recipe for regret. A spa is something you hope to enjoy for a decade or more, so a few weeks of research is time well spent when you buy a spa pool. The team at Spa World can offer you all the advice you need. 

People rush for many reasons, sometimes due to a “limited time” sale that creates a false sense of urgency. Other times, people just fall in love with how a spa looks on the showroom floor. A pretty design doesn’t tell you about the quality of the jets, the reliability of the pumps, or what the warranty covers.

Here’s how to become an educated spa buyer. First, read online reviews from real hot tub owners. Look beyond the brand’s website to independent review sites where customers post unfiltered feedback.

Second, visit multiple stores and talk to different salespeople at a local dealer. This lets you compare not just the hot tubs, but also the level of knowledge and service. While some people look into swim spas or even endless pools for exercise, and others compare the benefits to infrared saunas, the classic hot tub is ideal for relaxation.

Finally, and this is a big one, try the spa before you buy it. Many dealers offer a “wet test.” You can get into a running Jacuzzi® hot tub to feel the jets, check seat comfort, and see if the model you’re interested in is a good fit for your body.

7. Choosing a Retailer with Poor After-Sale Support

This might be the most overlooked mistake of all. You can buy the best spa in the world. But if you buy it from a retailer who disappears after they get your money, you are in for a world of frustration.

Remember, your relationship with the dealer doesn’t end when the spa is delivered; it is just beginning. Over the life of your spa, you will have questions. You might need help with water chemistry, a part might fail, or you’ll need to buy filters and supplies.

How can you tell if a retailer will be there for you? Start by checking their reputation. Look at how long they have been in business and read reviews about their service department, not just their sales team.

When you’re in the store, listen carefully. Does the salesperson ask about your needs and lifestyle? Or are they just pushing the most expensive model to close a sale? A good salesperson acts more like a consultant, helping you find the perfect hot tub for your home.

Before you sign anything, ask directly about their after-sale support. Ask them these questions:

• Do you have your own in-house service technicians?.
• What is the process if I have a problem or a warranty claim?.
• Do you offer complimentary water testing and advice for customers?.
• Can I easily get in touch with a real person if I need help after my hot tub purchase?.

You can even test this out. Try calling their customer service number before your tub purchase. Choosing a supportive dealer is just as important as choosing the right spa.

Getting a spa pool should be a joyful experience, from the first day you shop hot tubs to years of relaxing soaks. You can make that happen by being a smart shopper. By being aware of these common mistakes, you’re already ahead of the game.

Take your time with the hot tub buy, focus on long-term value instead of just the initial price, and do your homework on both the product and the dealer. Your diligence in avoiding these critical spa buying mistakes will lead to years of happy, stress-free relaxation. The perfect hot tub for you is out there waiting.