What to Look For When Buying a Hot Tub

When considering the purchase of a hot tub, the price is not the only factor that you should take into consideration. All hot tubs are not the same. The outer shell of the tub is the most important consideration because if anything should happen that will cause damage to this shell, then you will no longer be able to enjoy the tub. The pump and heater are important, but if they should break down they are easy to replace.

In the shell of the hot tub, there are two main components of which you should be aware. These are the surface of the shell and the understructure of the tub. The shell determines the overall look of the tub and how it feels to the touch.

Just because it looks nice doesn't mean that it will stand up well to regular use over time. For the amount of money that you have to spend in such a purchase, you want something that will last you for many years to come.

Get information from the manufacturer about how well the shell will resist the UV rays of the sun when you have it installed outdoors, what chemical sanitizers you need to use and how often you should use them. You also want to look at how well the shell can resist stains and the difficulty you may have when cleaning it.

The understructure of a hot tub will determine how well it can support the weight of the water. Other factors that you have to consider when inspecting hot tub enclosures include resistance to delamination, bubbling, and cracking.

OAS shells are made from plastic and are cheaper than acrylic tubs. You will not get the same luster and choice of colors in this material as you will with an acrylic shell, but it will stand up to regular use.

The understructure of the hot tub will depend to some extent on the material from which the shell is made. Both materials need a firm base so that they can hold the water. In tubs with an OAS shell, the understructure is usually a thick layer of foam that works in the same manner as fiberglass in providing the firm support you need.

However, it also means that you have to cover up the plumbing lines, which will complicate matters if you have a leak or need to replace them.

In a hot tub with an acrylic shell, the understructure is made from fiberglass and additives. In making the decision to go with this type of shell, you have a choice in the understructure of the tub, which will determine the final cost. There are various levels of thickness to choose from and this is an important factor in determining the life of the tub.

The quality of the fiberglass and the manufacturing process used is also something that you should inquire about when buying a hot tub or swim spa. The tubs with the best understructure are those in which each layer of fiberglass is applied by hand to the shell. This is the best way to protect the shell and prevent it from deteriorating over time.

If you choose a tub made from cheaper grade materials, you will incur damage from the freezing and thawing of the ground which will cause cracks and bubbling in both the understructure and the shell. You need to make sure that you are getting the best value for your money before you make the purchase.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement, interior design, and do-it-yourself landscaping. For a the ideal hot tub or swim spa for your home, please visit http://www.mybath.biz/.

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