Its an investment

You're driving down the highway and you see a set of bright yellow tents screaming the word SALE in red. Inflatable dancing machine is going full tilt, and the low thump of heavy base out of one of the flashing hot tubs is making you wonder what time of day it is. 
The typical Hot Tub Sale is in full swing. You wonder for a second if the business is legit, curiosity piqued, I wonder if they're giving out free hot dogs..... Aaah well  if they're here on the weekend maybe I'll swing in. 

We know this kind of sale only too well. The inflatable dancing machine is ours, and yes it did go full tilt, because of which..its broken now.

Buying a hot tub is like buying a car in some ways. It is a long term investment, that you hope to get a lot of use out of, and a purchase where WARRANTY DOES MATTER. So how do you decide which spa to buy, made by whom, who from, and what is a fair price? 

GO WITH YOUR GUT

A hot tub is an appliance just like your dishwasher, washer dryer or TV. It runs as much, gets as much use as any of those items, and as such has a chance to fail just like any other appliance. 
Here are the most important things to keep in mind in choosing your spa: 

• Get a spa  from a reputable supplier. Companies that sells North American made products are always your best bet when it comes to quality, warranty and product support. 
  
• Buy local. This way you have someone to call whenever you need any information. For everything from "Hey, my water is cloudy what do I do?" to "I need a new pump"  you have the number of a real live person in your community  who can physically be in your backyard fixing your tub if you need be. (In our case you get the owners cell phone numbers where they can be reached any time of day or night - no joke.) 
  
• Take the time to learn the facts. Is the warranty on my hot tub pro-rated? Pro-rated means that after X number of months you will be charged a % of the replacement fees of any component of your spa. YES non-pro-rated warranties DO exist! Ask about ours. 
• Talk to the manufacturer, visit their website. Got any questions? Pick up the phone and call the manufacturers and dealers directly. 
• Probably most important of all SIT IN IT before you buy it. Spas come in all shapes and sizes, and every spa does not fit everyone. There are long, short, and medium lounge seats. More or less angled leg areas; steps that could be seats, seats that might work as steps - you get the picture.  SIT IN IT to make sure it fits you and what you are looking for, and as long as you like the dealer, the operation, and the staff, you are good to go!