Over the last few years, the hot tub industry has begun marketing some attractive and well priced units. But be careful not to be distracted from what really matters when it comes to a hot tub. A hot tub is a big investment so please carefully consider the following before you buy a fancy new hot tub.
1. Older hot tubs can sometimes look new.
A sculpted tub is a pretty basic concept and shell designs have not significantly evolved over the years. In fact they pretty much look the same as they did twenty years ago.
So unlike an automobile, nobody will be able to tell that your hot tub is an older model.
For instance, we had a twenty five year old hot tub in the warehouse that looked just like a Beachcomber 2005 model – the seating layout and color pattern were almost identical.
2. Spa technology doesn't significantly advance from year to year.
Home spa mechanics and electronics are a pretty bacic concept and not very much has changed over the years.
For instance, let’s compare hot tubs to cars: Even if a 1993 model car has been very well maintained, it is still certainly going to be technologically inferior to a 2006 model - but even if it looks a bit different, a 1993 hot tub model may actually be technologically identical to a brand new model!
3. New doesn't always mean improved
Although there are some very good quality new hot tubs out there, keep in mind that there are some excellent older ones as well! The old saying “they don’t make 'em like they used to” is often true when it comes to hot tubs.
Some of the newer tubs are much less durable than the “old tanks” they used to build. Often the shells are thinner, the plumbing is inferior, the skirting is more flimsy and the motors don’t last as long. Some of the newer digital displays and electronic controls don't stand up to abuse very well and can be temperamental.
If you want long-term reliability and cheap repairs, “old school” analog is the way to go - vacuum plunger buttons and manual dials are extremely durable, simple to operate and easy to repair.
4. Cheap hot tubs tend to be cheaply made
A well built used hot tub will outlast a poorly built new hot tub by many, many years, and require fewer repairs along the way. If you don't mind a cheaply made hot tub, we can find you a second hand one for even cheaper!
5. New spa warranties aren't worth the extra money.
Some people think it's smart to buy new because the warranty will protect them from expensive repairs. But when you do the math it's plain to see that it makes more financial sense to to buy a healthy used spa than to pay thousands more for one with a factory warranty.
6. You don't need lots of jets
First time buyers tend to place way too much priority on the number of jets in a tub. Statistics show that return customers almost always go for something more basic the second time around.
Most of the artfully designed jetting nowadays is designed more for “wow’ appeal than for practical purposes. Spa purists know that having ten jets on your back does not give you ten times more massage – it only creates a general current that pushes you away from the wall. That's why if you go to a professional spa, you will notice that their Jacuzzi only has a few well-placed jets precisely localized for specific parts of the body.
Plus the more jets you have, the weaker the pressure, which means you need a bigger motor and stronger pump, which means higher running costs and increased maintenance requirements.
7. Simple basic spas run better and last longer
Many of the newer models are needlessly complicated. The Mars Rover was intentionally built as low-tech and simple as possible to increase reliability and longevity.
When you have a hot tub with digital readings, computer-controlled multi-pump configurations, pop-up speakers, rotating light lenses and spinning jets, a lot can and will go wrong. The less moving parts and electronic gadgets the better. This is why military technology experts use the term “KISS”, which stands for “Keep It Simple Stupid”.
8. Standard is the way to go
The more special features in a particular model, the more “dealer reliant” you become, with “model-specific” parts that are eventually discontinued. This means repairs may require more expensive parts and special knowledge to work on.
As the years go by, a hot tub with special features becomes increasingly more tricky to repair (have you heard of the term “planned obsolescence”?). As a result, spas with unique features tend to depreciate quickly and are hard to resell.
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