Purchasing a hot tub

THE COMPONENTS
To ensure that you're purchasing a quality product, pay special attention to each of the following components.

1 The shell
Made of acrylic, fibreglass and resin, a quality shell must be at least five millimetres thick, and the corners and other strategic areas -- the entire bottom, the seat bottoms and the area underneath the edges -- should be reinforced with fibreglass. To be certain that this is the case, ask to view a slice of the material and verify the minimum thickness. Finishes are available in matte, pearl or a granite-like texture. Choose whichever you prefer, but bear in mind that scratches won't show as much on a granite-like or pearl finish. Some manufacturers use Microban technology to prevent the spread of bacteria responsible for odours and stains. However, while this technology preserves the shiny finish and doesn’t entail additional costs, it does not necessarily guarantee quality.

2 Insulation
Given the rigours of our climate, the hot tub should feature top-quality insulation. Otherwise, your hydro bill will be sky-high, and in the event of a power outage it will quickly cool down, increasing the likelihood of damage. There are two types of insulation procedures: The tub can be completely covered with insulating foam, or it can be insulated with a combination of polyurethane foam and vapour barrier. In either case, all four panels must be insulated. According to retailers, the two procedures are equally effective, though the second provides easier access to the plumbing in case of a breakdown, which may save time and money.

3 The skirt
A hot tub is generally surrounded by a wooden structure meant to level it and support the shell. This structure also houses the skirt, an outer layer made of cedar or resin. Cedar is rot-proof, though it turns slightly grey over time; this in no way affects its durability, but some people find the look displeasing. To preserve the skirt’s colour, therefore, treatment with a water-repellent product is suggested. To reduce maintenance time, opt for a wood-imitation resin skirt, which is comparable in price to cedar. An important point: The various sections of the skirt must be removable. If a part breaks, you’ll want to be able to get to it easily by removing the appropriate panel.

4 The pump
The pump serves to control the power of the jets. For a quick dip in low turbulence, a single pump is more than enough. For a therapeutic massage, however, two pumps are necessary, and a third may be added for a more vigorous massage. Current models have a power output ranging from 2 to 6.5 horsepower. The more jets a hot tub features, the more powerful its pumps must be. The pumps also serve to oxygenate the water by gently circulating it 24 hours a day. Several times each day, the hot tub should run at high speed for a minute to flush out the pipes.