Hot tubs are undoubtedly one of the most valuable additions to your backyard. Not only are they great to give yourself a spa-like treatment after getting done for the day, but they also make for an excellent “excuse” to spend some quality time with your family and friends.
But choosing the right hot tub can be a daunting task, especially when you get hit with the huge range of choices the market offers. This is why we put together a couple of tips to help you choose the best hot tub for your backyard.
Pick the Right Size
When it comes to your new hot tub’s size, know that the market is flooded with more options than you can imagine. But, before you go and pick up the one that seems best, it’s important to consider two key things- your available backyard space and the hot tub’s seating room.
So first of all, make sure that the spa you chose fits your available backyard space. Aside from being the perfect fit, don’t forget to take a notice of the surrounding area and how your hot tub will impact it- are there any walls, how much space between the walls and the hot tub, will you be able to comfortably enter and exit the tub from each side or some of them will be blocked by walls etc… The key is to give your space a good measuring and make a good plan before you invest in something that won’t even fit.
But even if you choose the hot tub that perfectly fits every single cm of your spa intended area, know that it would be in vain if you don’t consider your seating needs and preferences. So, if you’re about to make the hot tub your personal escape area or a romantic nest for you and your partner, then a two-seater will be more than enough. But if you’re about to organise the best Sunday grill parties for your family and friends, make sure you get a four person spa.
But, this doesn’t mean that getting a huge four person spa will save you from the frustration of not being comfortable while you’re soaking since the kind of seating is the most important part of your new hot tub. For instance, a multi-seater hot tub for 4 can be the right choice if you’re the type of person that appreciates some privacy and physical personal space. But if you don’t mind sharing your personal space, a four seater spa with reclining lounges is undoubtedly a more comfortable option that will allow you to stretch out and find the most comfortable position. So, make sure you choose what works best for you and your closest ones.
Consider the Shape
Aside from the spa being spacious enough to accommodate you and your guests, it’s important to choose the right shape, since it’ll affect the entire soaking experience.
Round Tubs
If you’re looking for something more traditional to fit your Scandi-styled backyard, or you’re about to make a zen garden, a round hot tub is a perfect choice for you. These tubs are the traditional type that typically doesn't feature any space dividers and reclining chairs, but only a bench-alike seating space which is great to enjoy a nice conversation with your guests while facing each other.
But even if they’re very spacious, this doesn’t mean that you should invite a bunch of guests, since round tubs have a small centre area for everybody’s feet. Also, sitting in a round tub means sitting in a straight position, which can start feeling uncomfortable after spending some time inside.
Square Tubs
Square hot tubs make for a great choice for modern, contemporary backyards. They’re also great if you don’t have much available space, since there won’t be any dead space for the corners, unlike oval and round shaped hot tubs. This also means that there won’t be any unused place inside the hot tub, since all the corners can be a potential seat for your guests without getting into the other ones’ personal area when stretching feet.
Other Shapes
Aside from these two most common shapes, you can also find many hot tubs shaped as triangles, hexagons, with one or two corners cut and many other unique options. And even though they may seem like a better option that perfectly fits every corner of your backyard’s spa area, know that they’re very hard to find, especially in different sizes for different spaces. They also may not feature the comfort package you’re looking for and tend to be pricier than the classic shapes we mentioned before.
Choose the Right Features
Your new hot tub’s size and shape may be crucial, but know that your spa-alike experience won’t be complete without the right features, so make sure you choose wisely.
Filtration System
The filtration system is something that everybody needs since it’s responsible for removing the particles and keeping your water crystal clear. But when talking about filters, the ones with advanced blue media are always recommended. This is due to this blue media preventing different microbes and bacteria from settling up inside the filter which results in more effective filtration and fewer odours.
Jets
Your hot tub’s jets are the most exciting part since they’re the ones that convert the water flow from the pumps into a massaging action. So, make sure you choose the motions you prefer most since they’ll change the entire hot tub experience.
For instance, if you’re about to get a relaxing massage to release the tension in your neck and back, then the circular motions of rotary jets are the perfect choice for you. But if you want to get a hydrotherapy massage to a specific part of your body, then directional jets are great since you can adjust them exactly where you want them. On the other hand, if you want something relaxing for your entire body, moving jets are great to direct the water up and down as well as horizontally.
However, jets tend to be very pricey, so make sure you choose the right package for yourself. Also, overwhelming your hot tub with too many jets will result in decreased pressure, so make sure you choose what’s optimal.
Blowers
Blowers, or commonly referred to as bubblers, are motors that push air inside the water to create bubbles with a champagne-alike texture. And even though having a bubbly hot tub can be very fun and relaxing, know that bubblers aren’t recommended at all. This is due to them pumping cold air that lowers your water temperature and they also tend to draw much energy. Aside from that, sometimes they can produce sounds that are loud and unpleasant, which can disrupt your peace and ruin your spa session.
Stereo and Lighting
Stereo and lighting aren’t something you'll find in most hot tubs, but they’re a valuable feature since they can change the entire experience too. All you need to do is to connect your smartphone to the stereo system through Bluetooth, USB or AUX port, and you can make a great hot tub party with the best music.
On the other hand, lighting systems are great if you want to adjust some specific ambience- from setting a vibrant neon party scene for your friends to adjusting a romantic ambience for dates with your loved one.