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What is a Hot Tub? Hot Tub Guide 2020

Hot tub is the colloquial or trade name given to a variety of jetted bathtubs and spas. Although it is widely considered to be different, hot tubs and whirlpools refer to the same type of bathtub.

What separates a hot tub from a traditional bathtub is that they are typically built to accommodate more than one individual at a time, anywhere between 2-8 individuals. Traditional bathtubs can usually only fit around 2-3 people at the maximum, so the hot tubs are generally much larger in size.

What parts make a hot tub different than a standard tub?

The primary parts of a hot tub are the jets, the water controls and the pump. These parts are easy to identify and learning them can help to identify which aspect you want to spend more on and customize or replace in the future should something break. 

  • Water Jets – The primary feature of this bathtub, they are circular and usually come in sets of six up to a maximum of around 24 jets. They are positioned strategically around your bathtub to help massage all your muscle groups.
  • Pump– A small apparatus that pumps water into the jets of your bathtub and keeps the flow of water constant. Without this, most functions of your hot tub would not function properly. 
  • Water Control– Generally in the form of manual knobs, there are electric versions, but the idea is that the water knobs control the speed and pressure of the jets. 

Is a hot tub the same as a whirlpool tub

As stated previously, hot tub and whirlpool are describing the same item. Hot tuhs refer to a brand of whirlpool tubs that have gained popularity, but there is no difference between the two. Hot tub refers to a collection of jetted tubs and spas, where whirlpools refer to a whirlpool bathtub. 

Benefits of a Hot Tub

  • Stress Relief
  • Sore muscle and joint relief
  • Increased Muscle flexibility
  • Promotes better blood flow/circulation
  • Visually appealing

Disadvantage of a Hot Tub

  • Increased risk of heat stress
  • Costly to maintain
  • Potential infection risk
  • High energy cost
  • High water cost

How much is a hot tub?

The price for a hot tub starts at around $600 without installation. Small hot tubs go for around $600-1,000. Medium-sized hot tubs start at around $1,500 and climb to around $7-8,000. Finally, large hot tub start around $8,000 and end around the $15,000 range. These are all prices before installation. Installation will add an additional $1,000 if you choose to hire a professional which is highly advised for an investment this size. 

jacuzzi example.

Are Hot Tubs hard to maintain? 

Hot tubs generally need to have their water maintained as most will require chlorine before it is safe to use. Beyond that, the jets need to be replaced and serviced every few months as they are prone to breaking. The water pump and controls will also break down over time with continual use so it is advised that you hire a professional to maintain your hot tub as replacing these items yourself can lead to further damages down the line. So while not hard to maintain, it can be very costly to maintain. 

How long do they last? 

With proper maintenance, a hot tub can last anywhere from 5-20 years. As stated previously, the pump and the water control are generally going to break down much quicker, but the bathtub itself will easily last for 5-10 years with proper care. The pump will generally last around 3 years and the controls will need replacing every 2 years or so. 

Do people bathe in hot tubs?

In general, most hot tubs house anywhere from 3-8 individuals at a time. With this number of people together in a space, the water can dirty quite easily. To combat that, most hot tub have some level of chlorine to combat the germs and ensure that no one gets sick from use. It is for this reason that it is not very common for people to generally bathe in a hot tub as switching out non-chlorinated water is generally more of an ordeal that just taking a shower in a normal bathtub or shower. 

Are they safe for children and the elderly?

The short answer is yes, hot tubs are safe for children and the elderly. The more complicated answer is that care is still advised when using them. Many hot tubs are designed with many handholds and steps to make climbing in and out of them effortless. However, many still have slippery edges so it is best that both children and elderly folks have assistance when using a hot tub. Prolonged use can also lead to health problems down the road, so supervision is also highly recommended. 

Hot tubs make a great and relaxing sanctuary in any home. That being said, they are very costly to purchase and maintain, so consider your finances carefully before purchasing. 

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