Hot Tub FAQ
Hot Tub Frequently Asked Questions
At The Hot Tub Store, we’ve been helping Northern California families improve their wellness and relaxation with hot tubs since 1973. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to bring one home, this guide answers the most common questions shoppers ask about hot tubs. Use this page as your one-stop resource for everything you need to know before buying, owning, and enjoying a hot tub.
Health & Wellness Benefits
Yes. Hot tubs support both physical and mental wellness. Warm water immersion helps reduce stress, improve circulation, ease sore muscles, soothe arthritis and joint pain, and promote better sleep. Many people use hydrotherapy daily as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The key health benefits include:
- Stress relief and relaxation
- Muscle recovery after exercise
- Pain relief for arthritis and chronic joint stiffness
- Improved blood flow and circulation
- Better sleep quality
Yes. The buoyancy of warm water reduces joint pressure, while hydrotherapy jets provide gentle massage that relieves stiffness and pain. Many arthritis patients find daily use helpful.
Yes. Many owners enjoy a daily soak for relaxation, recovery, and stress relief. For best results, limit sessions to 15–30 minutes at a time and follow safety guidelines.
Pregnant women should always consult their doctor first. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures (above 102°F) can be risky. If approved by a physician, use lower temperatures and shorter soak times.
Yes, with supervision. Keep the temperature at 100°F or lower and limit soak time to 10–15 minutes. Children should never be left unattended in a hot tub.
Hot Tub Costs & Value
Hot tub prices range from about $4,000 for entry-level models to $20,000+ for luxury spas with advanced features. Most of our customers find the best options between $9,000 and $18,000.
Expect $20–$50 per month in energy costs. High-quality spas with insulation and efficient covers (like Hot Spring® and Caldera®) are designed to minimize operating costs.
Costs vary depending on setup:
- Foundation (concrete pad, pavers, or reinforced deck): a few hundred to a few thousand dollars
- Electrical installation: usually $800–$2,500
A well-maintained, high-quality hot tub can make your home more appealing to buyers, especially in markets that value outdoor living. The bigger return, however, is in your daily enjoyment and wellness.
At The Hot Tub Store, we offer flexible financing plans with low monthly payments, making it easy to bring wellness home right away.
Buying & Dealer Support
New hot tubs offer warranties, updated technology, and better energy efficiency. Used hot tubs may be cheaper upfront but can come with hidden repair costs and shorter lifespans. For long-term peace of mind, we recommend new or certified pre-owned models offered by a dealer like The Hot Tub Store.
The best dealer offers trusted brands, professional installation, and ongoing service. Since 1973, The Hot Tub Store has been Northern California’s trusted hot tub resource.
- What is included in the price?
- What are the warranty terms?
- What are the electrical requirements?
- How energy efficient is the spa?
- What water care system does it use?
- Do you provide delivery and service support?
Online-only hot tubs often look affordable but usually lack insulation, dealer support, and strong warranties. Buying locally from a reputable dealer ensures quality, service, and long-term value.
Practical Ownership Questions
High-quality hot tubs can last 15–20 years with proper care. Budget models may last less than 5–10 years.
More jets don’t always mean a better massage. Jet placement, design, and pump power matter more than total number. Hot Spring and Caldera brand spas are designed to have the right number of jets carefully placed to provide exceptional massage in each seat of the hot tub.
- 2–3 seats: Great for couples
- 4–5 seats: Perfect for families
- 6–8 seats: Best for entertaining
Choose a location that is private, convenient, and accessible year-round. Consider delivery and service access, electrical hookup, and proximity to your home for easy use. It’s usually thought that the closer the hot tub is located to the house, the more it will be used and enjoyed.
Hot tubs require a flat, solid surface like a concrete pad, paver patio, or reinforced deck that can support the full weight of the spa, water, and bathers. The flat solid surface is nicest if level, but can have a slight slope one direction for drainage.
Most hot tubs need a 230V, 50-amp dedicated circuit. Some smaller “plug-and-play” models use a standard 115V outlet but may have fewer features.
- 110V (Plug & Play): Simple setup, plugs into a household outlet, but slower heating upon initial fill with cold water and more limited jet power. Note that 110v and 115v refer to the same thing. 15amp is considered ‘plug & play’ and can plug into a standard 110v outlet. 20amp is still 110v, but requires a different outlet and provides a little more jet power than a plug & play model.
- 220V: Requires an electrician, but allows for stronger jets, faster heating, and larger spa models. Note that 220v and 230v refer to the same thing. You will want a licensed electrician to connect your 220v hot tub.
Water Care & Maintenance
Hot tub care includes:
- Testing and balancing water 1–2 times per week
- Rinsing filters every 2–4 weeks, deep cleaning quarterly
- Adding sanitizer as directed
- Draining/refilling every 3–4 months (or annually with salt systems)
- Keeping the cover clean and secured
Most hot tubs need fresh water every 3–4 months. Saltwater spas can go up to 12 months between changes.
Most hot tubs heat at 3–6°F per hour, taking 8–24 hours to reach the desired temperature. Once a hot tub is hot after initial fill of cold water, energy efficient hot tubs like Hot Spring and Caldera brand spas are designed to be kept at their set temperature so they are always ready to use without waiting for it to heat up.
Typical spas hold 250–600 gallons, while larger hot tubs and swim spas can hold over 1,000 gallons.
If shutting down for winter, you’ll need to:
- Drain all water
- Blow out plumbing lines
- Remove/store filters
- Clean and protect the cover
- Add antifreeze if needed
Most owners enjoy hot tubs year-round, but we can provide professional winterization if necessary.
Hot Tub Features & Options
A wet test means trying a hot tub filled with water before purchase. It lets you feel the jet strength, seating comfort, and layout — many say this is the best way to compare models. Many shoppers prefer sitting is dry models and feeling the jet pressures with their hands. This is a more comfortable shopping experience for most shoppers, but for those who really want to wet test, this can be scheduled with a salesperson.
Every hot tub package purchased at The Hot Tub Store will include a premium insulated cover. There are several different cover systems to choose from and your chosen system will be included in the package price. Cover lifters, steps, sanitation systems, audio systems, and other accessories are all available as well.
Popular accessories include:
- Cover lifters for easy use
- Steps for safe entry/exit
- Water care supplies
- Spa vacuums for debris removal
- Bluetooth® audio & lighting upgrades
Saltwater hot tubs (like the FreshWater® Salt System) offer softer water, less frequent draining, and easier maintenance. Many owners prefer the natural feel, though traditional systems also work well.
Brand Comparisons
We recommend brands that balance quality, efficiency, and reliability:
- Hot Spring® Spas – industry leader in comfort & efficiency
- Caldera® Spas – strong hydrotherapy focus
- Platinum Spas – excellent value option
The “best” depends on your priorities — energy savings, massage therapy, seating style, or budget. The Hot Tub Store carries only trusted brands with strong warranties.
The right hot tub depends on your lifestyle, space, and budget. A showroom visit is the best way to find your perfect fit.