smart buyer’s guide to choosing a hot tub...smart buyer’s guide to choosing a hot tub 2 this...

Smart Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Hot Tub

2 This report provided by: Ace Hardware and Hearth - www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com

If you’re in the market for a new hot tub, but you’re not exactly sure how to choose

the best model to fit your needs, you’re not alone. Shoppers are often excited about

the prospects of buying a fantastic new hot tub, only to be overwhelmed and

frustrated when faced with the sheer number and variety of incredible spas that are

available.

What types of features should you be looking for? Is there really a difference

between seating options, and what makes one style better than another? With

literally hundreds of incredible models on display and countless different features

to choose from, smart buyers understand the importance of shopping with a plan.

A hot tub is an exciting investment for sure, but one that you should make in full

confidence. When performance, style and a great value work together, the right hot

tub can bring years of family fun, entertainment and improved health to friends and

loved ones.

In an effort to make your purchasing process easier, we’ve collected a few of the

most important tips to create the Smart Buyer’s Guide – a plan for helping you

choose a hot tub that exceeds your expectations. Ready to get started?

Understand Why You Want a Hot Tub –

Hydrotherapy, Relaxation or Fun?

Buying a hot tub to relieve back pain or help control the symptoms of type 2

diabetes is quite different than looking for a party tub to enjoy with friends and

family on weekends. While there are tremendous health benefits to be gained from

soaking in any kind of hot tub, deciding ahead of time why you want to buy will

help you make important decisions during the selection process. Improved health,

entertainment, relaxation and family fun are just a few of the reasons why people

invest; why do you want a hot tub?

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Hydrotherapy and Health - If your main

goal with an in-home hot tub is pain relief

or improved health overall, you’ll probably

want to look at models that make the most

of hydrotherapy.

While any hot tub filled with warm,

massaging water is soothing, the right jet

configurations and seating arrangement will

maximize your experience while the wrong one will disappoint.

For some, a quick soak in the morning can provide instant relief from painful

arthritis. For others, a dip in the evening with soothing lights means reduced stress.

Entertainment and Fun - On the other end of the spectrum, there are plenty of

families and single professionals who appreciate the fantastic entertainment

opportunities that come from owning a hot tub.

If your vision is less about improved health and more about entertainment, the

right hot tub can become a focal point for year round fun – but your shopping

strategy needs to reflect this. Modern hot tubs come equipped with all kinds of

innovative entertainment options, like surround sound, waterproof LCD television

screens and more.




The point is, whether you have hydrotherapy, improved health or entertainment as

a primary goal, your vision of the perfect tub is likely to look very different from

someone else’s. Smart shopping means thinking through specifically how you

intend to use the tub, and narrowing your choices to those tubs that will enhance

your experience the most.

Knowing ahead of time exactly what you want and what you expect to do in your

hot tub – thinking through your motivations for hot tub ownership, will make it

easier to browse, and ultimately easier to choose the perfect model to suit your

needs and lifestyle.

Size, Shape and Seating

Now that you’ve thought about exactly why you want a hot tub, it’s time to choose

the size, shape and seating that best fits your lifestyle. Again, there are plenty of

models with equally impressive features to suit your needs, but thinking through

size, shape and seating before you buy, will make it easier to enjoy the perfect hot

tub experience.

Size - Luckily, hot tubs are available in all

kinds of different sizes, from small and

compact to large, oversized party tubs.

And because more people can afford an in

home hot tub, ownership has become

more popular than ever.

However, shopping for the ideal size hot

tub can be tricky, and it’s tough not to

find very compelling reasons why you need the largest tub available.

Here’s the tip – don’t let the excitement of seeing a few fantastic models on the

showroom floor distract you from being realistic about the size hot tub that’s most

appropriate for your lifestyle and budget.




How do you decide on the right size? While it’s important to think about how

much available space you have, it’s equally important to consider who will be

using the hot tub the most. Is it just you and a spouse or do you anticipate

entertaining an extended family? Answering these questions honestly will help you

choose the most appropriate size hot tub without breaking a sweat.

Shape - Choosing the ideal hot tub shape is a

little more subjective, although you still need

to take space limitations into consideration.

Will the hot tub need to be placed in the corner

or do you have more flexibility with

placement?

While you can’t put a square peg into a round hole, there is quite a bit of room for

finding something a little more interesting than a square hot tub. In fact, even with

unique design elements, even compact models can be interesting, making it fun to

look at the options.

Seating - The most appropriate seating arrangement for your hot tub really has

everything to do with intended use. In other words, you wouldn’t want to waste

time looking at tubs with high performance

loungers when you intend on entertaining groups

of people at once.

On the other hand, if the sole purpose of using

the hot tub is to provide relief for an aching back

and stiff joints, and you live alone, a high

performance lounger may be just the right

choice.

Think realistically about how you plan on using the tub, and with whom. Some of

the most comfortable seating options are also the best when it comes to personal

massage, and it pays to explore all of your options.




Think through your goal with hot tub ownership, and when it’s time to make a

choice, you’ll have a better idea what you’re looking for, whether it’s ergonomic,

contoured seats, benches or performance loungers.

Explore Jet Types and Variety

After you select size, shape and seating style, it’s

time to consider jet types. Remember, the type of

jets the manufacturer offers and the type you

select will directly impact your hot tub experience.

First time buyers are often hoodwinked into

thinking that more jets equal a better spa

experience.

This is simply not the case, and jet placement is far more important than the

number of jets present in the hot tub. Knowing this makes it much easier to

compare hot tubs for performance without getting sidetracked on how many jets

are actually in the tub.

Jet Configuration Is Key - Full body, targeted massage is one of the main

characteristics of a fantastic hot tub experience – and the right jets in the right

places make this a reality. How the jets and seat configurations work together is

critical – sometimes referred to as “hot tub circuit therapy”.

Hot tubs that emphasize circuit therapy allow

you to move from seat to seat while powerful

jets target different major muscle groups for a

full body, high performance massage.

You also want to consider how easy it is to

switch out jets as your needs change. Some spa

manufacturers make individual interchangeable

jets while others have interchangeable jet packs for your convenience.




Whether you want focused therapy for stress relief, calm and relaxing or deep

relief for serious aches and pains, a hot tub with the right jet configurations will

have you covered.

Selecting Hot Tub Features to Fit Your Lifestyle

With the perfect hot tub size, shape, seats

and jet configurations considered, the next

thing to think about pre-purchase is features.

Today’s hot tubs are jam packed with some

of the most innovative features imaginable

offering freedom, flexibility and modern

convenience that up until just a few years

ago, was impossible. Here are a few of the

most common design and use features that you may want to think about ahead of

time.

Interior Shell Color - The color choice on the inside of your spa shell may not

seem like an important detail. However, you’ll likely be using your investment for

some time and the color will not change.

Choose a color that you like, as you’ll see it every time you take a dip. While color

selections are varied, it’s best to stick to conservative tones and colors that soothe,

promoting a relaxing experience.

Exterior Cabinet Color - For exterior design, cabinet colors are available in dark

wood (think espresso), grays, burnt orange etc. Coordinating hot tub cabinetry with

your current décor is easy, and the perfect way to create a relaxing focal point with

aesthetic appeal in any space.

Interior and Exterior Lighting - When it comes to creating a memorable hot tub

experience, great design is everything. The right interior and exterior lighting for




example can add to your experience by fostering calming effects that promote

relaxation. Plus, LED illumination is incredibly fun in the hot tub!

Entertainment Options: TV, Stereo - Why not consider some really fun features

like LED television or surround sound? When

you’ve budgeted carefully, and there is room for

a few extras, entertainment options can be

exciting.

Modern hot tubs are equipped with all kinds of

innovative entertainment features, giving you

endless possibilities for family fun and

entertaining spa-side.

Hot Tub Cover Lifters - Finally, another great feature that’s worth considering is a

hot tub cover lifter. Cover lifters are a smart, practical way to make using your hot

tub more convenient, but they also save on wear and tear, which saves you money

long-term.

Decide Before You Shop – The Importance of Budgeting

Although last on our list, setting a realistic budget ahead of time will save you

time, energy and maybe even a few dollars. Shopping with a dollar figure in mind

makes it easier to browse models which

are your in range, but also gives you an

easy way to factor in those extras that

you really want.

Unless you have an unlimited budget,

choosing the perfect spa will ultimately

come down to price and what is

important to you. This can sometimes

mean compromise.




Don’t think of budgeting in negative terms, but rather, a better way to prioritize.

For instance, if hot tub size is more important to you than the number of jets, then

you can make the appropriate trade-off.

On the other hand, if your primary goal is ensuring the best hydrotherapy

experience, then a smaller tub with interchangeable jet packs or hot tub circuit

therapy may be your best bet. Thinking through a realistic budget ahead of time

will make it much easier to identify and make compromise as needed.




In Summary

A hot tub is an investment – a purchase that’s sure to bring years of fun,

entertainment and improved health to family and friends. With the right guidance,

tips and inside information, choosing the right model and features should be easy,

not frustrating. Taking time before you buy to think through your motivations with

hot tub ownership will help you identify the appropriate size, shape and seating

arrangement to fit your needs and lifestyle best.

Whether you’re interested in hydrotherapy for pain relief, spa-bathing for fun or

simply a relaxing place to enjoy friends and family, planning your purchase is a

smart, practical way to ensure you find the one hot tub that will exceed your

expectations. Finally, never underestimate the importance of pre-purchase

budgeting. A realistic budget will help you make important compromises when

browsing for the one perfect hot tub with the great features you need to create the

memorable, exciting spa experience you want and deserve.




About Us

Ace Hardware & Hearth and Ace Home & Leisure are owned by Pete and Michele

Peterson. With three stores in Maryland, they supply seasonal products such as

fireplaces, stoves, venting, wood, pellets, water-conditioning salt, hot tubs, birder

supplies, pool chemicals, fertilizers and other commodities. While many hardware

stores are now gone, Ace continues to flourish thanks to its hardworking associates

and loyal customers.

Ace proudly supports many local youth activities, community events and projects

such as the Tate Cancer Center and the North Arundel Hospital Emergency

Department. Ace loves to support the communities that support them. Ace is also

involved in donations to many local, regional, national and international charities.

Ace Hardware & Hearth and Ace Home & Leisure are on the leading edge of

today’s technology. Affiliated with Ace Hardware and a dealer owned co-op, we

have the ability to make available many cutting-edge programs. The Helpful

Hardware Club, an Ace customer loyalty program, rewards purchases at our stores

with quarterly rebate checks, super coupons, in store specials, special sale

offerings, and timely information on current home products.

“The mission of the Ace team is to satisfy the customer.” When something goes

other than the way it was planned, we do everything in our power to make it right.

You have the Ace promise on that!




Find Us

Glen Burnie

Edgewater




Pasadena


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