Purchasing a hot tub

5 Accessories
All hot tubs are equipped with at least one light and a control panel. (Make sure that the panel is easy to reach once you’re seated in the tub.) Most control systems are digital and allow the user to regulate the water temperature to within one degree. Some accessories are highly recommended -- like the resin step for easy entry and exit – while others are mandatory, like the circuit breaker, which prevents users from being electrocuted in the event of lightning orcurrent variation. Manufacturers’ extras may include a sound system, a DVD player or an illuminated cascade. Before you decide to purchase accessories (which increase the price tag substantially), ask yourself whether you’ll put them to good use. Watching a film in a hot tub, for example, is pointless since the noise generated by the jets will muffle the sound of voices. And while relaxing in the hot tub and listening to music is an option, you can forget about having a conversation.

6 The cover
It plays an important role by protecting water from debris, maintaining water temperature and preventing children from entering the hot tub. To ensure that the spa stays insulated and promote runoff when it rains, the cover must be domed. It must also be lockable for security reasons. The thickest part should measure at least 10 centimetres and the thinnest at least 7.5 centimetres, strong enough to support the weight of a young child. Also make sure that the leatherette is flexible enough that it doesn’t crack or damage when exposed to variations in temperature. Finally, a handle is always useful to open and close the cover and to carry it to a storage area when it isn’t being used.

7 Jets
Two main types of jets are available: hydrojets and aerojets, and they are usually combined. Hydrojets project a mixture of air and water, creating the main massage effect. The larger the hydrojets are, the softer your massage will be. Aerojets, for their part, emit thousands of tiny air bubbles, thus contributing to a feeling of weightlessness and providing a softer massage. Nozzles (water outlets) are available in several shapes, making it possible to vary the angle and movement of the jet, depending on the kind of effect (relaxing or invigorating) you want to achieve. Some nozzles are interchangeable, a potentially interesting option.

8 Filtration
The water from a hot tub is the ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria, hence the importance of the filtration system. In a four-person hot tub, the antibacterial filter cartridge must be capable of cleaning a surface spanning a minimum of seven square metres. Owners are advised to buy a second filter (for purposes of rotation during cleaning) and closely follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Cartridges last roughly one year and cost approximately $100. Also important is making sure that the skimmer door assembly measures at least 25 centimetres for effective filtration and proper filter collection. Many hot tubs also feature an ozonizer, which naturally sterilizes and disinfects the water, thus reducing the use of maintenance products. The ozonizer is not an absolute must, however.

9 The water heater
To be effective, the electric water heater must have an output of 5.5 kilowatts. Two types of electric water heaters are available: those with an element inside the water and those with an element that does not come into contact with the water. According to experts, the latter offers the best quality, as there is no risk of the element being damaged by the water. Also, corrosion-resistant titanium water heaters are considered a good option.