Frequently Asked Questions

A. Entertaining, family fun, relaxation? All of these? Choose a size that fits your lifestyle. Do you plan to entertain? How many at once? Do you have a big family that wants to soak together, or will no more than two people share the hot tub for quiet relaxation and intimate conversation? The most popular size seats four adults comfortably. A professional can help you measure your space carefully and select a hot tub that’s appropriate for the area. Choose a dealer who provides an in-home consultation.

A. Try it wet before you buy it. Want to know if a hot tub is really right for you? Get wet. Take a test soak to judge seat comfort. Note the torso depth when you’re sitting up comfortably. In the Northwest, you’ll want the water depth to be over your shoulders. Multi-level seating should accommodate both adults and children. The best option for all soakers are “Barrier-free” models with no confining seats or other obstructions to get in the way as you move around in the water.

It’s all about the jets. Don’t choose quantity over quality! Pay attention to jet types and jet placement. A single jet that provides the lower back pain relief you’re seeking is worth a dozen jets in the wrong places. Do the jets feel soothing or pummeling? Can individual jets be adjusted for direction? Find out if jet pressure can be regulated. Most hot tub users prefer to adjust jet pressure for the hydrotherapy they’re seeking. The Hot Spring hot tub line features the unique “Moto-Massage” jets that sweep up and down the length of your back at a speed you control, providing an underwater massage.

Hear the silence. Ask yourself: Would I want this right outside my bedroom window at night? A truly quiet hot tub like Hot Spring has no audible noise when the water is circulating, heating and filtering.

Take a deep breath and smell the water! If you smell chlorine in the water or on your skin, or you notice a scent that masks chlorine odor, the sanitizing system is not up to par. Look for a hot tub that’s sanitized with a corona-discharge ozonator with silver ion cartridges for boosting the cleanliness. Crystal clean water without effort or hassle should be your #1 concern.

A. Keep it Simple. A simple on/off control panel is best. Avoid hot tubs that need to be “programmed”. Look for an EnergySmart Spa™ that’s hot all the time. You’ll use a hot tub more often if it’s always ready when you are.

Keep it Clean. Don’t consider buying a hot tub without full filtration. The system should operate 24/7 and be 100% balanced. Soaking in dirty, unfiltered water is no fun. Filters should be “top-loading,” readily accessible for cleaning, not stuck in the equipment bay.

Keep it Safe. Select a hot tub with locking cover and locking control panel to keep out small children. Consider safety rails and steps for ease of entry.

A. Quality Counts. The quality of the construction and materials used will determine how long your hot tub will last, the actual long-term cost, and the maintenance involved.

Rock solid construction. Be sure the shell is made from a durable material that has been tested over time. Avoid fiberglass shells, which can crack and blister and require extensive waxing. The new pearl metalescent finishes should be laminated over the most durable material possible, such as ABS. Be sure the material you select is resistant to UV, chemical damage and cracking. Avoid wood cabinets, which will turn black and moldy over time. Embossed wood-look cabinets made from rigid polymers will give you low maintenance, high durability and retain their good looks for years. The cabinet warranty should be at least 5 years.

A good warranty protects. The components that run your hot tub should be backed strongly by the manufacturer’s warranty. Ask the dealer for a product brochure or search their website for the details on how each hot tub is made and the parts and materials used in construction.

A. See the warranty and… For every hot tub you look at, ask for a copy of the warranty to take home and examine. Most reputable manufacturers have their warranties clearly printed in their product brochure or website. If a dealer is reluctant to give you a copy of the warranty to take home, or tells you that it comes “with the hot tub,” consider this a “red flag”, do not purchase from him. Period.

Read the warranty. A reputable manufacturer will warranty the hot tub shell for up to seven years against cracking, blistering, yellowing. The plumbing, jets and all major components should be warranted for five years. The selling dealer, not a third party, should service the hot tub at your home. Beware of hidden “trip” charges to your home for warranty service, and of manufacturers who require you to send in parts for repair rather than fixing them on site. Finally, the warranty should be 100% for the entire warranty period, not pro-rated like tire warranties.

A. Here today. Here tomorrow? Question each dealer about their hot tub manufacturer. How long have they manufactured hot tubs? How big is their dealer network? In how many states? This will help gauge how long they’ll be around in the future. Without a strong manufacturer, how good is your warranty? Small regional and local manufacturers typically do not stay in business for any length of time.

A. Good track record. The longer a dealer has been in business, the better their track record is likely to be. And, the longer they’ve carried a particular brand of hot tub, the higher your confidence level can be. Dealers with a history of switching brands are unlikely to have a strong customer referral base or be as willing to service hot tubs they don’t currently carry. Look for a solid dealer who’s made a strong commitment to support a reputable manufacturer.

Enjoy the Experience. Shopping for a hot tub should be fun and informative. Seek out a low-pressure, reputable dealer who can answer all of your buying questions.

A FREE In-Home Consultation will save you time and money. Ask if the dealer provides a free site inspection to help you determine the best place for the hot tub. A hot tub professional can also recommend the size of hot tub appropriate for your space and family needs.

Service, Service, Service. Do business with a dealer who will give you service as good after the sale as before your purchase.

A. Check references. A reputable dealer will put you in touch with a number of their customers in your neighborhood so you can ask about the hot tub and the customer service provided by the dealer. The major part of a top quality dealer’s business is based typically on referrals from satisfied customers.

A: The FreshWater Salt System is an affordable and easy-to-use water care system that keeps hot tub water clean and clear for a full year.*
A disposable titanium cartridge creates chlorine from salt and gently releases it into the water keeping it clean and ready to use with less work.

Reduced chemical use extends water life and helps it feel soft and natural, so you will spend more time enjoying your hot tub.

*Available on 2019 Highlife® Collection and Limelight® Collection Hot Tubs.