Purchasing a hot tub

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.

The comfort
The same seat will not offer the same comfort to someone who is six feet tall as it does to someone who is five feet tall. For this reason, shells with seats at varying heights are preferable. Some hot tubs feature jets that can be adjusted to meet individual needs. To choose a hot tub that’s comfortable and best suited to you, first try each seat using the demonstration models available in-store. If you find yourself hesitating between two or three models, ask the dealer for a test run -- yep, in a bathing suit, in the water. In doing so, you’ll be able to tell if the jets can be adjusted to the required intensity and positioned in such a way as to massage your muscles and not your bones or your spine.

The retailer
A hot tub is a long-term investment (good for about 20 years), and there’s no reason you shouldn’t shop around as you would for a car, visiting several retailers to compare products and prices. Err in favour of retailers who’ve been in business for a long time and offer good after-sales service, and for personalized service give priority to specialized stores. Also check if the retailer offers technical services and is open year-round. In the event of a breakdown during winter, you’ll be glad that you’re able to reach a qualified maintenance person.

Cost and warranty
Expect to pay roughly $5,000 for a basic hot tub with a limited number of jets and the basic accessories. More sophisticated, superior-quality models start at $7,500. Before you decide on a model, carefully read the warranty on each component (they sometimes differ) and take the time to read all related documents, particularly the exclusions. Solid warranties on parts and especially labour are a good gauge of quality. Some retailers are pricier than others but offer a better warranty on labour.

Installation
A hot tub should be installed close to the house for quick access (approximately three metres), especially when it’s below zero! A location sheltered from the wind (so the water won’t freeze) and a fair distance from trees (to take advantage of solar energy) is considered optimal. Also see to it that the desired location is able to support the weight of the hot tub and its occupants. (A tub with four occupants will weigh an average of more than 2,700 kilograms.) The ideal is to build it on a concrete slab. Interlocking stone and tile may also suffice, provided that they sit on a compacted stone dust surface measuring a minimum depth of 25 centimetres. The electrical hookup must be carried out by a master electrician. Once this is done, all that’s left to do is to fill the hot tub using the garden hose, pour in the starter kit (usually provided by the retailer) and enjoy!

Maintenance
Chemically formulated products must be added periodically to preserve water quality, following the instructions provided. In general, two options are available: weekly-use bromine and daily-use lithium. Each disinfects the water, though bromine has the advantage of being soft on sensitive skin, while lithium is odourless and costs a little less. Regular water analysis is also a must. Ideally, the retailer should check it once a month (many offer this service free of charge), or you can check it yourself and confirm the results with the retailer. Other various components -- the filtration system and the shell -- also have to be maintained, in keeping with the manufacturer’s care instructions, which should be read carefully.

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