Buying A Hot Tub? Top 4 Questions To Ask

Buying a hot tub or swim spa is very exciting, but you need to be prepared with the right questions to ask. While there may be many topics to research and learn, below are 4 key questions you should be sure to ask.

Why will your spa do what I want/need it to do?

This is the most important question, and where you should spend much of your focus. When you walk in to a hot tub store, the first thing that should happen is that a representative of the company should ask questions to learn more about what you want and need. Are you looking for relaxation? Family time? Therapy? That will help to zero in on 2-3 possible models that fit your needs. But be careful – it’s not uncommon for unscrupulous dealers to push models on you for reasons that have nothing to do with what YOU need (e.g. floor models, discounted models, overstock models…). So be sure to understand why the model you’re looking at will do what YOU need. For more information on this topic, check out this YouTube Video.

What does the price include?

At Flint Hills Spas, we include delivery, installation, start-up, the cover, and 3-4 months of maintenance supplies on almost every model. A small trip charge may apply for out of town deliveries. But be careful! Many companies do not include all these items – the cover may be extra, delivery may be extra, delivery may simply be a drop on your drive way, supplies may not be included…. Be sure to ask!

How long will the hot tub last and what is the warranty?

A well-built and well-maintained hot tub should be expected to last 15 to 20 years. We have many customers who have gone well beyond 20 years. Cheaper spas will not last nearly as long due to their cheaper construction. They are cheap for a reason! Also, ask about the warranty, what it covers, whether the warranty is pro-rated or reduces over time (ours do not), etc. Look for a parts warranty that is ideally 3-5 years.

Do you have a service department?

This is simple – where will you go if/when you have a question, a problem, a warranty issue, etc? Or, what if you want routine maintenance services done by a trained professional – for example bi-weekly cleanings or a semi-annual spa overall. Ask how many qualified service techs the company has. Be wary of online companies that CLAIM to have service reps in your area, but have simply found a list of spa companies off the internet and refer you to them. Most real, reputable dealers (like us) only service the brands of spas they sell. Also be careful of the one-person shop where that one person is spread too thin.

For sure, there will be other questions that you’ll ask and/or will get answers to, such as about specific features on the spa, electrical requirements, lead times, etc. But these 4 key questions will get you 90% of the way there!

P.S, don’t forget to check the company’s google reviews or leave us a review if you would like!