A new hot tub is an exciting addition to any home. Whether you re a long time fan or new to the world of hot tubbing, a spa at home offers improved health, easy entertainment and family friendly fun. A smart investment that s sure to bring years of happiness, the right hot tub can enhance your life. Yet with so many different options, choosing the perfect accompaniment to your home can be challenging. Do you want bench seats or ergonomic style seating? Maybe a high performance lounger would be more appropriate? How about jet configurations, do you know what you should be looking for to create the perfect hydro massage? The right hot tub can enhance your life in ways you d never imagined, but the wrong one can leave you feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. If you re in the market for a new hot tub and serious about creating a fantastic spa retreat, then it makes sense to spend a few minutes reviewing some important information on how to find the perfect spa. We ve created this guide for people just like you who are ready for spa ownership, but could benefit from some advice on what to look for and why. You ll find valuable tips, facts and more on everything from what to know before you buy to choosing the right shape, size and features for ensuring low maintenance and operating costs. Ready to get started? Let s go! 2 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com
Important Information to Have Before Shopping Once you ve made the decision to invest in a hot tub, it s time to start browsing, right? While you do want to have some idea of what you re looking for, the showroom may not be the place to begin. Before even stepping foot in a dealership, think through a few details and make the buying process easier and more convenient. What information should you have before you start shopping? Accurate Measurements - Modern hot tubs are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes and the one-size fits all approach does not work when it comes to choosing the right spa. There are small compact models for one or two users, midsize tubs and oversized party tubs designed for groups of people to use the spa at the same time. While you may have already decided on a certain style and size hot tub (you know if you need a spa for 2 people or 7) taking measurements is key. Be sure to look at your available space and measure carefully. Even the slightest inaccuracy can cost hours of delay if the tub doesn t fit on delivery day. Think Through Placement Carefully - If you have some idea of where you would like the spa to go, great! Now go back to the spot and answer some questions. First, if the hot tub is going outside, how do the surrounding trees or shrubs impact privacy? Remember, depending on where you live, the summer months can look quite different from mid winter, and your ultra private retreat can be quite visible once the trees lose their leaves come change of season. Consider Proximity to the House - Another consideration to think through after choosing a location for your new hot tub is proximity to the house. A secluded spot out back off the path may be private and quiet, but is it going to be convenient when you need to run in the house for a forgotten towel or to use the facilities? Think about placement as if you were in the actual tub and how easy/difficult it might be to access the house. 3 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com
Size, Shape and Seat Considerations Wants Versus Needs New buyers often make the mistake of buying a hot tub just to fit the space. Beware, just because you have a large area available doesn t mean you need to buy the largest spa that will fit. Most dealers can accommodate specific space issues with a corner shaped or circular hot tub. However, aside from these unique cases, here are some questions to help determine the best size hot tub to fit your needs: How many people will use it on a regular basis? - Try to be realistic about who will actually be using the spa and it will be easier to decide on the perfect size hot tub. If you live alone, a smaller model makes more sense than one designed to accommodate 7 adults. The shape of the tub as well as the seating arrangement should align with who will actually be in the tub the most. How often will it be used? - If you anticipate using your new hot tub every day, then the right seating arrangement is critical for ensuring you can achieve your goals with ownership. Be sure to explore all of your options to find the one style that fits your unique needs best. If you plan on having others use the tub frequently, bench seating may be more appropriate. Do you envision sitting on a bench, stretching out or some combination of the two? Comfort is everything when it comes to creating the perfect hot tub experience. Think about how you plan on using the tub and try to envision if you re likely to be alone or with friends. Would a high performance lounge chair work best for your needs or is it better to look at models with more flexible seating arrangements? 4 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com
Is entertainment or improved health the main reason for buying? - Are you purchasing to relax with friends or do you intend on using the hot tub for exercise or hydrotherapy? Depending on your goals with ownership, the shape and size of the tub is an important consideration that can significantly impact how much you use your new investment. Short Term Budgeting, Long Term Savings The selling price of a hot tub is determined by many factors including size, design, the number and quality of jets, water management systems and other important features. The trick to budgeting for the perfect hot tub is in understanding which features are important and which are just hype that you don t really need. While you will be the final decision maker in terms of how much money you spend and how you prioritize features, here are a few of the most important hot tub factors that impact not only cost, but also, overall enjoyment. Innovative water management system - All hot tubs require water care, but all water care systems are not created equal. It s critical to look for brands that offer state-ofthe-art solutions with automated or hands free systems reducing the amount of work you need to do. Many top brands offer ozone systems that do a fantastic job of helping you maintain clean, clear, healthy water. Remember, invest in a great water care solution for keeping on top of your water in the beginning and your how tub will perform better and last longer. 5 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com
Maximized hydrotherapy experience - Many first time buyers are confused when it comes to jets, jet placement and configuration. Here s the bottom line with hot tub jets: the number and size of jets does not guarantee a better hot tub experience. What is much more important than how many or how large they are is where they are positioned in the tub and how they are matched to the proper pumps. Ask your dealer to explain the different options in jet configurations and be sure to disclose how you intend to use the tub for a customized jet solution. Energy efficiency - Who isn t looking to save a few dollars on energy bills? The right hot tub prioritizes energy efficiency with cost saving components. Before getting wrapped up in a particular model, be sure to ask about the efficiency of important hot tub parts like heaters, covers, insulation, even lighting. Choose a brand that optimizes energy efficiency and you could save yourself thousands of dollars in operating costs. Selecting Hot Tub Features to Meet Your Needs Today and in the Future Choosing the perfect hot tub to fit your needs today is easy. But think about how much you have to gain if you choose features that you ll use in the future as well. A smart strategy when it comes to picking the best spa, plan for now and later and you maximize your investment twofold. What types of features should you consider? Health and wellness - Maintaining health and wellness into the golden years begins with paying attention to your body while you re young. In preparation for high energy and sustained vitality, regular hot tub use can decrease stress, improve sleep, and keep the muscles and joints flexible and loose, helping you recover quickly from muscle strain or overuse. Choose a hot tub that fits your needs and lifestyle now, whether it s great entertainment options or surround sound, but be sure to make room in the budget for the types of features that can help you look and feel your best now and in the future. 6 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com
Maximized Hydrotherapy - Of course, even without arthritis or a joint condition, a warm, relaxing dip in the hot tub is instantly soothing. However, as we age, muscles and joints become weakened by years of pressure and strain. Hydrotherapy used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle can prolong a healthy body and mind. Twenty minutes a day restores lost energy levels and relieves a variety of chronic aches and pains. Low back pain may not be a problem now, but with the right jet configuration, you ll be prepared. Hot tub circuit therapy - If you re not familiar with hot tub circuit therapy, it s simply a way to rejuvenate and refresh the entire body with targeted, soothing massage. With the right jet configuration and seating arrangement, hot tubs equipped to provide circuit therapy can help relieve sore or overworked muscles anywhere on the body, on demand. Circuit therapy works by targeting different major muscle groups one at a time through each phase of the circuit. The result? Optimized hydro-massage in phases from the bottom of your feet to the shoulders and neck. 7 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com
Spa Maintenance Costs These Features Will Save You Money Every Month Of course, maintaining your hot tub is the key to keeping it looking and running as it should and low maintenance is the name of the game. Simulated wood - For the exterior of your spa, simulated wood requires less maintenance than real wood. Continuous filtration - Circulation pumps that filter water continuously allow the spa heater to work more efficiently. CD ozone generator - Ozone systems are a great choice for maintaining water quality, but a Corona Discharge (CD) generator will significantly decrease the amount of sanitizer needed and last longer than traditional ozone systems. Operating costs are a high priority for most hot tub owners, and choosing smart features is the number one way to save money with every use. When looking at hot tubs remember that the most common way to save money is to prevent excess heat from escaping the tub. A tight fitting, quality cover will keep the heat in and the cold out. Be sure to ask about insulation for the shell and the heater as high-grade insulation prevents heat from escaping. Together, a custom fit cover and full foam insulation surrounding the shell create an insulated barrier around the top of your spa for less energy use and significantly lower operating costs. 8 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com
In Conclusion Buying a new spa is a rewarding, exciting experience. When you come prepared and armed with the right information, choosing the one spa that fits your needs and lifestyle now and in the future is easier than ever. Be sure to take accurate measurements and plan to have some idea of where you d like to place your new investment to avoid being surprised on delivery day. Think through goals with ownership to choose the most appropriate size, shape and seating arrangements. Finally, never underestimate the value of choosing the right features for low maintenance, low operating costs and of course, maximum enjoyment. 9 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com
About Us Our Albuquerque showroom is proud to offer you only the highest quality hot tubs, and accessories in New Mexico! All our hot tubs provide stress-relief, true hydrotherapy performance, energy efficiency, outstanding warranties, and long-term reliability all at affordable prices! Whether it's a Caldera Spa or one of the many other hot tubs and spa brands we carry, we have hot tubs and spas of all sizes, prices, and therapy options. Visit our Albuquerque showroom today! Caldera Spas 5310 Menaul Blvd Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-883-9722 10 This guide provided by: Caldera Spas Albuquerque, NM CalderaSpasNM.com