Hot tubs are becoming more and more popular in Scotland, and to meet this demand there are now many different impressive home spa options on the market.
Knowing where to start can be daunting, especially for a first-time buyer, so we have put together this useful hot tub buying guide to give you all the information you need to help select the best possible home spa for your relaxation needs.
What to look for in a hot tub
When beginning your hot tub search there are several factors that should be considered to help you narrow down your search.
These include:
- The size of the tub you require
- The depth
- What additional extras you would like – Bluetooth speakers, lighting, massage nozzles, etc.
- The filtration system
By having a better idea of exactly what features you would like in your home spa, and some general practical requirements, you will be able to eliminate many possible hot tub models from your search.
However, there will still be plenty of options for you to choose from with many different Hot Tubs for Sale Scotland available that will be suitable for your bespoke requirements.
Types of hot tub
In order to give you a better idea of which hot tub would be most suitable for you, we’ve created a guide to some of the most common home spa types.
Inflatable Hot Tubs
Inflatable hot tubs are the most affordable hot tub option on the market starting at just £300 and typically seat around 2-4 people.
The main attraction of inflatable tubs, besides the price tag, is the convenience they offer, as unlike more sturdy tubs they can be blown up, taken down, and moved from place to place throughout the year to suit your requirements.
This also means that you don’t have to give up a section of your outdoor space to a hot tub on a permanent basis.
However, this flexibility and affordability does not come without limitations.
Inflatable hot tubs have extremely limited insulation compared to more sturdy options, meaning they lose heat at a rapid rate and are generally much more expensive to run as a result.
They also tend to be much less durable and whilst you may initially save money on your purchase you will have to replace an inflatable hot tub much sooner than other home spa options.
Hard-shell Hot Tubs
Hard-shell hot tubs are a more traditional hut tub option with a hard base made of plastic, acrylic, or wood; an internal heating system; and in-built massage jets.
These tubs tend to be highly customisable with a range of additional extras available such as WiFi and sound systems, allowing you to design the perfect tub for your needs.
Hard-Shell hot tubs offer excellent comfort, with some models seating as many as 8 people, are well-insulated, and can be fitted with energy saving covers to maximise energy efficiency.
They also tend to last much longer than portable tubs and thanks to advancements in technology require very little ongoing maintenance with self-cleaning clean water filtration built in.
The main drawback to hard shell hot tubs is that they can be quite expensive, depending on the additional features you are looking for with models ranging from around £3000-£15000.
In-Ground Hot Tubs
More commonly referred to as a spa, in-ground hot tubs are custom designs created to suit for the needs of each buyer and will be built specifically to your design specifications.
One of the great things about in-ground hot tubs is that they are much more low-profile and less extrusive than free standing options.
The bespoke nature of in-ground hot tubs means that they tend to be the most expensive home spa option with models starting at £6000.
Hot Tub Features
Deciding which of the many special hot tub accessories that you would like included in your tub is important to consider before deciding which hot tub to go for.
Some of the most popular features to have on a home hot tub are:
Bluetooth Audio
Many hot tubs have in-built Bluetooth audio system that can be linked to your mobile device to create the perfect mood when taking a soak.
LED Lights
LED lighting allows you to customise the look of your spa to suit the occasion, creating the ideal ambience for the occasion, whether you are hosting a garden party or planning a romantic night in.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a more premium hot tub feature that introduces aromas into the hot tub water through the air massage circuit.
Massage Jets
The vast majority of hot tubs will come equipped with water jets as standard but if you are looking to maximise the muscle recovery and relaxation effects of your tub it may be worth opting for a model with a relax impact system built in.
These systems will include an additional massage pump that produces a relaxing and stimulating effect by driving air bubbles into the leg area.
