- The Lowest Running Costs, Independently Tested and Proven
- What should I look for when buying a hot tub?
- What's the best time of year to buy a hot tub?
- How much does a hot tub cost to run?
- Are family spas high maintenance?
- Are hot tubs good for your health?
- Hot Tub Testimonials
- Frequently asked questions
In this article..
- The Lowest Running Costs, Independently Tested and Proven
- What should I look for when buying a hot tub?
- What's the best time of year to buy a hot tub?
- How much does a hot tub cost to run?
- Are family spas high maintenance?
- Are hot tubs good for your health?
- Hot Tub Testimonials
- Frequently asked questions
Originally made as reconstructions of naturally occurring thermal baths and hot springs, hot tubs have come to represent the ultimate in style, leisure and luxury. Offering relaxation, therapy and fun, hot tubs are now more accessible than ever, becoming a familiar sight on decks and in backyards up and down New Zealand.
What is the difference between a hot tub and a hot spa?
For most people the words ‘hot tub’ and ‘hot spa’ are used interchangeably, as both refer to large baths of hot, jetted water. Tubs and spas do indeed look similar and perform similar functions, but there are differences between the two.
Hot tubs
Widely known as spa pools in New Zealand, are self-contained, portable units with their own plumbing and electrical control systems that offer relaxation and powerful hydrotherapy benefits.
Hot spas
Hot spas are permanent installations similar to the spa baths often found in modern bathrooms or day spas. These are built more specifically for leisure, offering little in the way of hydrotherapy or health treatments.
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The Lowest Running Costs, Independently Tested and Proven
The cost of running a spa pool can be significant… unless you choose Hot Spring. We offer New Zealand’s most energy efficient spa pools, with running costs as little as $1 a day. This is a luxurious soak that won’t cost the earth.
How can such luxury come so cheap? Our insulation is carefully designed for maximum heat retention. Our covers are fully insulated and precisely engineered to form a perfect seal around the lip of your spa.
Then there’s our suite of technological innovations, from heat induction jets that recycle the warmth generated by the internal machinery, to our SilentFlo 5000 circulation system that keeps your water moving while using the same amount of power as a 40-watt light bulb.
Try our energy calculator now ›
What should I look for when buying a hot tub?
There are a number of considerations you should make when shopping for a hot tub including choosing a trusted dealer. Buying an established brand from a local dealer means you’ll gain access to local advice and can repair rather than replace the spa if something goes wrong, years into the future. Here are other factors to take into account when buying a hot tub:
Size
How many people might use it at once?
Location
Where will it be installed? Is access quick and easy? Is there a power supply? Can the tub be easily filled and drained?
Objective
Why are you looking at a hot tub or spa? Reasons might include pain or stress management, enhancing health and wellness or spending more quality time with loved ones.
Quality
A high quality hot tub will be more energy efficient, last longer (with a warranty to prove it) and meet relevant safety standards.
Take the guesswork out of buying a spa pool. Download your FREE copy of our Spa Pool Buyer's Guide for step-by-step advice through the buying process.
What's the best time of year to buy a hot tub?
The best time is any time! Unlike pools and conventional spas, which tend to attract a rush of buyers over summer, Hot Spring spas are designed to be used any time, making them popular year-round.
While hot tubs can be purchased online, it’s important to note that what you see on your screen can be very different to what actually arrives. Shopping in store allows you to see, touch and even take a test soak in a potential tub!
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How much does a hot tub cost to run?
The Hot Spring Spas Energy Calculator can tell you exactly that! Hot tub running costs come down to one major factor: insulation. A bargain hot tub rarely stays a bargain for long, as a lack of insulation means inefficient heat retention, resulting in surprisingly high running costs – as much as $2,000 or more in electricity every year!
But don’t just take our word for it – we are the only spa company whose spas have been independently lab tested, and we’ve published the results. We are proud to say that Hot Spring Spas create the most energy efficient spas in the world!
What are hot tub shells made from?
Hot tub shells have two main functions: to keep the water in and to keep the water warm. Shells come in a variety of materials, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:
Vinyl
Used in most swimming pools, vinyl’s cost-effectiveness makes it a cheaper choice for hot tubs too. It doesn’t retain heat well, nor is it particularly durable.
Rotomoulded plastic
This process sees plastic powder heated and spun in a mould. The result is lightweight, cost-effective and far more durable than vinyl.
Acrylic
The Rolls-Royce of hot tub plastics. Although you pay more for acrylic, you’ll enjoy a spa that is both beautiful and durable. However, it is important to note that not all acrylic hot tubs are created equal.
Wood
There’s no arguing that wood looks great, but you’ll pay for the looks with endless maintenance, both on the inside and the outside of the tub.
What is the average life of a hot tub?
The longevity of your hot tub will be determined by the quality of the tub, the conditions it is subject to and your care and maintenance efforts.
As a ballpark figure, a hot tub can be expected to last anywhere from five years to 20 or more. A high-quality, sheltered and well-maintained tub will last decades, while a cheap, exposed and neglected tub might struggle to even reach the five year mark.
This is an important fact to remember when shopping for hot tubs, as while a lower upfront cost might be tempting, you may need to replace the tub multiple times to match the extended life of a higher priced but higher quality unit.
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Does a hot tub add value to a house?
A high-quality hot tub that is seamlessly integrated into the look and landscape of your property can add real value to your home. Even if your hot tub doesn’t add to the bottom line of your property appraisal, it can still act as the X-factor that attracts potential buyers.
For the owners of holiday rental and Airbnb properties, a spa can be the sort of big ticket item that can see you attracting far more guests. The right choice will require minimal maintenance and operating costs. "Spas are a key reason people book holiday homes, especially during winter when skiing here in Queenstown" says Sarah McIlwrick, General Manager of luxury accommodation provider Relax It's Done.
Can I put a hot tub on grass?
Placing a hot tub on grass is not recommended, as the weight (usually between 1.2 and 2.5 tonnes) may see the ground shift or sink, causing stress on the spa and voiding the warranty.
Can I put a hot tub on my deck?
The following foundations are suitable for a standard spa:
- A 100mm thick reinforced concrete pad
- A deck built to New Zealand building standards
As swim spas can weigh up to 7 tonnes, we recommend that you get a qualified engineer to certify your deck before such a spa is installed.
Best hot tub placement
As fully portable and self contained machines, Hot Spring hot tubs can be installed in a surprising number of locations in your backyard. You can place an outdoor hot tub on a deck, on your pavers, under a patio or gazebo. If you have a sun room you might choose to install an indoor hot tub. You can even excavate a patch of your backyard to turn your spa into an inground hot tub, to make it a truly organic addition to your property, and to make entry and exit a little bit easier.
At Hot Spring we have successfully installed inground, above-ground, indoor and outdoor hot tubs. Provided the surface is level, there's access to power and water, and there's a way to drain the spa when you need to, your placement options will only be limited by your imagination.
Are family spas high maintenance?
If you choose your model wisely, your family spa will require a surprisingly low amount of maintenance. With the help of smart tech, upkeep can be quick and easy:
Water care
The cartridge-based FreshWater™ Salt System requires as little as five minutes of maintenance per month.
Filter care
Our Tri-X® filters can be washed in the dishwasher – all you need to do is remove and replace!
Draining and refilling
Most spa pools should be drained every 2-3 months. Our FreshWater™ Salt System keeps water fresh for a year.
Are hot tubs good for your health?
A hot tub is a tool that fits within the broader medical discipline of hydrotherapy. Warm water has been proven to soothe the human body in a number of different ways:
Heat
The heat widens blood vessels, assisting the flow of nutrient-rich blood through the body. A hot tub’s directional jets can enhance this flow further.
Muscle
The warmth can loosen tight muscles and reduce swelling.
Joints
The buoyancy takes weight off your joints, reducing wear and pain.
Mental Well-being
The ambience of a hot tub can help your mental state by easing stress and promoting relaxation.
Frequently asked questions
Why buy a hot tub?
A hot tub isn’t just the single most luxurious addition you can make to your backyard. It’s also one of the wisest investments you can make in your health and wellness, your family, your property and your lifestyle.
Hot tubs are scientifically proven to improve your health in a range of ways, from reducing stress and anxiety, to enhancing circulation, to dealing with chronic pain. This device-free setting is the perfect place to connect more deeply with your family and friends, and can make you the host with the most. A hot tub can also add serious value to your property, from increasing the resale value of your home to attracting more bookings for your Airbnb.
How much should I spend on a good hot tub?
When setting a budget for your hot tub, it’s important that you recognise that this is not a cost, but an investment. The returns on this investment should be measured across the life of the machine. By spending a little more on a quality hot tub, you can save yourself a huge amount of money in the long run.
Hot Spring hot tubs are made from the highest quality materials and feature expert craftsmanship. That means they’re designed to last longer than your average tub – backed by the fact that we guarantee the supply of spare parts for 20 years. Hot Spring spa pools are also New Zealand’s most energy efficient machines, meaning far lower running costs.
How do I choose the right size hot tub?
‘Size’ can mean two different things when choosing a hot tub: the dimensions or the number of seats. The first and most important consideration in terms of hot tub size is the exterior dimensions, as you need to ensure that a hot tub will fit in your chosen spot. Measure the space you have in your preferred location, and choose a hot tub model that leaves a bit of wriggle room to ensure you can install, maintain and access the hot tub comfortably.
In terms of seat count, consider the maximum number of people who might want to use the hot tub at any one time. This might be the number of people in your household, or a few more if you plan to host parties.
What is the difference between a hot tub and a spa?
The terms "hot tub" and "spa" are often used interchangeably, which can create confusion. Here's how they differ:
A hot tub is typically an outdoor installation that contains sanitised, reusable water. Hot tubs are designed to host multiple people at once, hot tubs are ideal for social gatherings or relaxation in larger groups.
In contrast, a spa bath—often just called a "spa"—is usually an indoor fixture located within a bathroom. It is filled with fresh water for each use and then drained. Spa baths generally cater to single-person use, providing a private, luxurious bathing experience.
Additionally, the word "spa" can refer to a "day spa" – a place where you go to enjoy health and relaxation treatments, and which can sometimes feature both spa pools and spa baths.
Hot tub resources
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