Buying your first hot tub can be a brain wracking experience considering the options and models available online and in stores. The salesperson could give you a convincing talk, and you may end up buying the one which is not suited for you. Before you enter a showroom, ask yourself the following questions and find the answers before selecting the hot tub.

1. The best price for a hot tub
Check out different brands in the market and get your quotes for them. Also, compare different showrooms and vendors for the products. Checking online for deals is a good option, too, since you can browse freely and get quotes and offers without any obligation to buy. Many websites offer comparative features and prices of various hot tub brands. The average customer pays about $7,000 for a hot tub that can fit around four to eight people. Besides, there are entry-level hot tubs priced from $2,000, and the luxury ones can go up to $18,000.

2. What kind of hot tub to buy
There are different hot tubs – inflatable, in-ground (permanent hot tubs), or portable hot tubs (wood frame and acrylic shell). Within these, there are several variants with many price ranges. Portable hot tubs are less expensive than in-ground ones. Though they are called portable, they are not easy to move. The foundation for the portable hot tub should be good. In-ground hot tubs are more expensive.

3. Hot tub and a Jacuzzi
People often get confused between these terms. Remember, a hot tub and a Jacuzzi are the same. Jacuzzi is simply a brand of a hot tub.

4. The additional costs of owning a hot tub
Before buying a hot tub, keep in mind these typical expenses incurred for a year:

• Sanitizers – you will add about half a cup of either chlorine or bromine every time or every alternate time that you use the tub.
• Shock-oxidizers that clean the water – you will use chlorine or non-chlorine, about a quarter cup weekly.
• Chemicals – to adjust the pH and calcium hardness.
• Filters – the filters have to be rinsed monthly and replaced every 12 to 24 months.
• Water costs – you will need to change the water every 3 to 4 months.

5. Electricity costs for using a hot tub
Electricity costs can go up to around $20 to $30 a month for a hot tub owner, assuming usage of about two times a week. Costs can go up to $50 too. Energy-efficient models are also available, but the initial investment can be higher. The price depends on factors such as:

• The quality of the hot tub – the materials used play a crucial role in electricity consumption.
• The hot tub’s insulation – better insulation helps keep the water hot, so less is spent on electricity.
• The size of the heater – opt for an energy-efficient heater.
• Power consumption – 110v hot tubs consume more power than the 220v. The advantage of the 110v ones is that they can be plugged into the wall outlets and used. The 110v/120v can be plugged into a regular outlet at any time and used.