Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Hot Tub
Max PiggottA hot tub is a big purchase. With so many models, sizes and features to choose from, it's easy to make a mistake that costs you time, money or enjoyment later.
Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when buying a hot tub, so you can buy with confidence.
1. Not thinking about how you'll use it
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a hot tub without thinking through how it will actually be used.
Ask yourself:
- Is it mainly for relaxing, hydrotherapy or entertaining, or a mix?
- Will it mostly be used by two people or a large family?
- Do you want deep massage seats or a more sociable, open layout?
Why it matters: the wrong seating, size or jet layout can leave you with a spa that rarely gets used.
2. Underestimating size and access
It's tempting to buy the biggest hot tub you can afford, but bigger isn't always better.
- Will it fit through gates, doors or side passages?
- Is there enough clearance for a cover lifter and to reach the equipment?
- Is the base level and strong enough to take the weight?
Why it matters: finding out on delivery day that it won't fit through the gate means delays, extra cost or swapping the tub.
3. Overlooking running costs
Many buyers focus on the price and forget about running costs.
Check:
- Is the spa well insulated?
- Is the cabinet well sealed to keep heat in?
- Can it be used with an energy-saving heat pump?
Why it matters: a cheap, poorly insulated spa can cost noticeably more to run every year, and you won't find out until the bills arrive.
4. Ignoring water care and maintenance
Don't take "low maintenance" claims at face value.
- What filtration system does it use?
- Does it support ozone, UV or salt water sanitation?
- How easy is it to drain it, clean it and change the filters?
Why it matters: a hot tub that is hard to clean or prone to water problems soon becomes a chore.
5. Not buying from an established brand or dealer
An unknown brand might be cheaper at first, but it can be a risk.
Ask:
- Is there a warranty and UK support?
- Can you get spare parts easily?
- Are there genuine customer reviews?
Why it matters: a hot tub is only as good as the company behind it. You want someone to call when something goes wrong.
Final thoughts
Avoiding these five mistakes is the difference between a hot tub you enjoy every day and one that causes ongoing frustration.
When you are ready to buy:
- think long-term
- ask the right questions
- choose an established brand like Canadian Spa Company, with a proven track record and dedicated support
Need help choosing a hot tub?
Get in touch with our team or browse our best-selling models, from compact spas for small gardens to family models with all the features.
Call us on 01293 824094
What these mistakes look like in real life
These are typical situations we hear about from buyers. Each one was avoidable with a little planning.
Mistake 1 in practice: buying for the party, not the week
A couple buys a seven-seat spa because they imagine summer parties. In practice, two of them use it most evenings, the big shell takes longer to heat and costs more to run, and the parties happen twice a year. How to avoid it: choose for the number of people who will use it most weeks. A 2 to 4 person spa is often the better fit for couples.
Mistake 2 in practice: the side gate
The spa arrives on the lorry, but the side passage is narrower than expected and there is a step halfway down. How to avoid it: measure every gate, path and corner from the road to the base, note any steps, and compare them with the spa's dimensions before ordering. Ask about delivery options early.
Mistake 3 in practice: the cheap cover
A low-cost spa comes with a thin, flat cover. By the second winter it is waterlogged and the heater runs much more often. How to avoid it: look for a 5 to 3 inch tapered hard-top cover with a vapour barrier and locking straps, and check it is included.
Mistake 4 in practice: no plan for the water
A new owner is told the spa is "low maintenance", skips regular testing, and ends up with cloudy, foamy water within weeks. How to avoid it: budget 10 to 15 minutes a week for testing and dosing, a filter rinse every two to three weeks and a water change every three months.
Mistake 5 in practice: no one to call
A spa bought online from an unfamiliar seller develops a fault, and there is no UK service network or stock of parts. How to avoid it: check who services the spa, how quickly parts are available, and what the warranty covers in writing.
Three more mistakes worth avoiding
- Forgetting the electrics. A 32 amp spa needs a qualified electrician before delivery day. A 13 amp plug and play spa needs an RCD-protected outdoor socket, and never an extension lead.
- Skipping the base. A filled family spa can weigh well over a tonne and a half. Uneven or weak ground can crack the shell or the base.
- Siting it too far from the house. On a cold, wet evening, a long walk across the lawn is a reason not to go. Closer is usually better.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Decide how many people will use it most weeks.
- Pick the spot, with a solid, level base and about 1 metre of service access in front of the equipment panel.
- Measure the delivery route from the road.
- Choose 13 amp plug and play or 32 amp hardwired, and book an electrician if needed.
- Check the cover, insulation and filtration that come as standard.
- Ask about warranty, servicing and parts.
- Budget for chemicals, filters and electricity.
- Sit in a spa if you can, to check seat depth and comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a bigger spa than I need, just in case?
Usually not. A bigger shell holds more water to heat and treat. Buy for normal use, with perhaps one extra seat.
Is an ex-display hot tub a good way to save money?
It can be. You often get the same warranty and support as new at a lower price. See our guide to new, used and ex-display hot tubs.
What should I ask about the warranty?
What it covers, for how long, who carries out repairs, and what would make it invalid, such as using the wrong chemicals.
How much should I budget for running costs?
It depends on the spa, your tariff and how you use it. Electricity for heating is the largest part, followed by chemicals and filters.
Choosing a hot tub?
Compare our hot tubs and swim spas, or visit our showroom near Gatwick.