There's nothing quite like the warm, soothing form of therapy and relaxation that a home spa can provide. However, this is not something that should be purchased on a whim. Careful consideration should be given to several factors before even making a visit to a spa dealer.
The three most important questions to answer first are: What's your budget? Where will the spa be located? How large should the unit be?There are numerous models available on the market and so many spa dealers nowadays (28 spa dealers in the Salt Lake area alone) that it's smart to narrow down the choices with some advance work.
Most dealers finance spas, but you should determine how much money you can put down and what monthly payments will fit your budget. Then, formulate a price range. Include some extra money for chemicals and electricity.
Where the spa will be located is another key question. If indoors, a floor must be strong enough to handle the extra weight - up to 4,700 pounds for the largest water-filled units. Even most wooden decks would have to be reinforced to support such a great weight, since the smallest of spas still weigh more than 1,400 pounds.
If a spa is to go inside a basement, how wide is the doorway access there? If it will be outside, will it go on an existing patio or will you need a gazebo or covered location built?
Spas produce some pretty good splashes on the high jet cycle and that, coupled with dripping after a person exits the spa, means they should be located in a place where there is a floor drain or at least where water won't damage floors, walls or any nearby wood. Indoor spas also increase humidity.
Spas begin in sizes small enough for just two adults and go up to seven-person capacity. Generally, the smaller the unit, the less the price, upkeep and maintenance. Spa prices begin at about $2,000 for a basic, two-person model.
Warranties vary, but the best ones in the industry cover labor for two years, five years on equipment and surfaces, and 10 years on the internal frame.
The shape and comfort of spas vary greatly and so actually arranging a "test drive" to get inside the water and try out a preferred model - in the store - isn't a bad idea, if you have any doubts on comfort.
If a member of your household will be medically benefited by a spa (has arthritis, for example), it may pay to get a written recommendation from a doctor for the use of a spa before you buy it. That way, when you file your next income taxes, the spa's purchase price could be claimed under medical expenses - providing your medical deductible exceeds 7.5% of your total income.
Be sure to also ask on the electrical hookup required for a spa. Despite the fact that most of today's spas are self-contained and fill with a garden hose, most still require a dedicated 220-volt electrical line. Even the so-called 110-volt hookup models have limitations of not being able to run the pump and heater at the same time - without a special 220-volt con-nec-tion.
Check on the specific amps required and obtain at least three bids on the electrical work. Electrical bids could vary by more than 200 percent.
A ground fault breaker box will also be required on a wall near the spa.
Also plan on your spa increasing your electrical bill. How much, depends on the cost of electricity in your area, the outside temperature, if the spa will be indoors or out, and also on the size of your spa. Two-person spas will likely increase electric bills by an average of $5 to $10 per month year-round.
Spas also require chemicals. A spa dealer may provide a complementary supply for the next four to six months. Annual chemical costs will likely be around $200, depending on size and usage.
Regarding upkeep, most spas must be drained every two to six months and refilled with fresh water. The spa's filter also must be regularly cleaned and the chemical balance should be checked periodically. Spas placed outside will require more frequent cleaning than indoor ones. Overall, maintenance time required is very minimal, though.
Most spas also have straps on the cover with small locks so that children can be safely kept out. Covers are usually included in the spa purchase price.