What a swimming pool should be !

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425 North Country Road
(Route 25A)
P.O. Box 2166
St. James, NY 11780

(631) 979-POOL

Things to consider when buying a Spa or Hot Tub.

1. Location.

Will you be installing your hot tub indoors or outdoors? If you decide to enjoy your hot tub inside, select a model that can fit through existing doorways to prevent extensive remodeling. For outdoor models, make sure you measure out the space in your yard or on your deck where you intend to install the hot tub. You should have a flat, concrete surface or a patio to keep the hot tub level.

2. Seating.

Though you might have visions of fantastic hot tub parties, get realistic about the number of people that will be soaking with you on a regular basis. If you're planning lots of romantic soaks with your partner, consider a model that offers side-by-side seating, instead of custom-molded seats in opposite corners of the tub. For larger groups, check out some of the innovative new shells that offer flexible seating arrangements. Make sure you honestly consider the size and shape of your body, so that you don't find yourself squished into a molded seat that is too small for you.

3. Size.

Modern hot tub models can accommodate many soakers without taking up a lot of space. Some of today's seven or eight-person hot tubs only require as much room as a four-seat version from ten years ago. Consider not only how much space you want to stretch your legs inside the hot tub, but how much room you will need on the outside. Make sure you give yourself and your guests enough room to get into and out of the hot tub safely, without bumping into trees, bushes, or other houses!

4. Massage Jets.

Every hot tub owner is shaped differently, so no one hot tub design relaxes everyone equally. Therefore, consider your height, your muscle tone, and your personal preferences when choosing massage jets. You may want an extreme massage, or you may simply enjoy a burbling, volcanic soak. If you think that your tastes might change over time, select a model with interchangeable massage jets, so you can experiment with new configurations without having to buy a new tub.

5. Sound.

If you enjoy relaxing to music, consider an integrated sound system rather than risking injury with regular stereo equipment placed near the hot tub.

6. Your Utility Budget.

Be careful when selecting discount models, since they may require more electricity than your monthly budget can handle. Likewise, models with bacterial filtration and ozonators might seem more expensive at first, but they will save you lots of money on water and chemicals over the life of your hot tub.

7. Look and Feel.

Hot tub manufacturers offer cabinets and shells that match just about any décor. Interior design experts recommend selecting neutral tones that won't look dated after a few years. Accent your tub with relaxing fiber optic light displays and safety-oriented LED lighting.

8. Test it.

You wouldn't buy a car without taking it for a test drive. So arrange to test out your favorite spa models by attending a dealer's after hours soak sessions.