Building Your Hot Tub – The First Steps
Although hot tubs or home spas are a great way to relax and unwind, and are even therapeutic, these things can be pretty expensive. Easily, they can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $20,000 depending on the size, design and style, materials used, and number of pressure jets you want. For an expense this big, you will need to plan exactly what you want in your hot tub.
Spas come is different sizes. Some are meant for two persons while others are large enough for 10. Your choice will depend on whether you are a private and reserved person or an outgoing type. If you would rather spend a quiet night with your mate soaking up in the tub, the smaller version would be better. If, however, you like to entertain extended family and friends, and perhaps have a few bottles of wine or beer as you enjoy the hot water and the massage, go for the big one.
Its location will also be affected by your choice. If you are more like the former, you may want to install the tub in a secluded corner of your backyard, perhaps concealed by vines climbing up a trellis. A more central location would be more appropriate for the big tub where your friends can join the fun.
If you enjoy strong jets of water massaging your muscles or need it for hydrotherapy, you will need water pumps with higher power ratings. Confer closely with your contractor or supplier about the capabilities of the water pump and the jet nozzles.
Be ready for increased utility expenses and adjust your budget accordingly. A two-person spa will require from 200 – 250 gallons of water, while an eight-person type will need about 400 – 500 gallons. While the draining and refilling of your hot tub varies with how often and how long you use it, it will still entail an increase in your water bills.
In addition to water expenses, heating costs will also increase. Heaters can be powered by electricity, oil, or gas. It is advisable to find out which of these is least expensive in your area so that your increased costs will be minimized.
Bottles of chemicals such as chlorine, bromine, and biguanide to name a few, will also be a continuing expense. These are necessary to keep your water sanitized and germ-free.
Although the biggest expense is the construction and installation of your hot tub, be ready for the accessories that normally go with the tub. Some of these will be necessary, like the cover, while others will be for convenience, like a floating sound system.
There are plenty of manufacturers and builders of hot tubs that you have an almost unlimited choice of designs and style. The Internet alone features hundreds if not thousands of styles but if it is convenient to you, try to visit a bricks-and-mortar store so you can actually feel the texture of the tub. After all, your naked back and legs will be in prolonged contact with it as you relax and enjoy the hot water and massage.