Your Shopping Guide For Hot Tubs & Home Spas, Covers, Heaters and Accessories

Self-Contained Portable Hot Tubs are Quick and Simple to Set Up

The home spa industry has gone entirely to manufacturing freestanding, portable hot tubs. These self-contained units include the pumps, water filtration system and heaters all in one unit that is easy to set up. Installation is quick and simple. Most portable home spas just need to be filled with water and plugged into a power supply. More elaborate hot tub set-ups may require assistance from the dealer or a certified home renovator.

Sizes and Energy Costs

Portable spas range in size from 4’ to 6’ in diameter with a depth of 3” to 4”. Portables can hold from 100 – 500 gallons of water and weigh 300 – 500 pounds when empty, so you will need some help to move the hot tub to the desired location. Energy costs for a properly insulated 6-person spa are $15 - $20 a month, compared to several times this amount for tubs with non-insulated shells.

Shell Material and Features

Although the classic barrel-shaped hot tub made from cedar or redwood is still manufactured, the shells of modern portable spas are made entirely from acrylic. These tubs are strong and easy to maintain. The shells of portables are insulated to prevent heat loss and you can choose from a variety of colors and styles to match your home’s décor. Home spas come with lots of standard and optional features that include your choice of seating and head rests, jets and electronic controls.

Setting up the Home Spa

Whether you install the portable tub or home spa indoors or outdoors, you will need a solid foundation to support the weight of the filled tub. Most manufacturers’ warranties exclude structural damages due to an inadequate foundation. Consider these alternatives:

  • Outdoor Installation

    90% of home owners opt for an outdoor installation. A portable spa or hot tub can be surrounded by a wooden deck, making the installation appear similar to an in-ground home spa. Consult a building contractor to make sure the deck can support the weight of the unit. Experts recommend pouring a 4” reinforced concrete pad for an on-ground installation of portable tubs.
  • Indoor Installation

    Indoor installations of portables can cause a variety of problems that include possible water seepage from the hot tub into woodwork, rot and mildew resulting from increased humidity and other problems. A properly designed drainage and ventilation system will eliminate these concerns. Again, make sure the location you choose can support the weight of your portable spa. Most home owners will want to hire a licensed contractor knowledgeable in hot tub installation to get the job done right.

The purchase of a hot tub or home spa should not be taken lightly. Make sure you do your research and educate yourself by visiting dealers online or off. Compare prices, features and warranties. Do a wet test and prepare the location properly before having your portable spa delivered and installed. Have a look at the merchants listed in our buying guide. They offer a great selection of major brand home spas and hot tubs at affordable prices.


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