November 2011
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Changing Your Hot Tub Water in 4 Simple Steps
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How to Choose the Right In-ground Pool for You
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If you’re in the market for a hot tub, there are many choices you’ll have to make to find the perfect match—for instance, how many people you want to fit in it, the type of seating configuration you’d like and the amount of money you want to spend. But the first decision you must make isn’t what to buy, it’s where to put it: indoors or outdoors. It’s a matter of preference, space, usage and cost, says Arch Chemicals National Accounts Manager April Nielsen. She recommends asking yourself these simple questions before buying and installing a hot tub:
What will you use the hot tub for, and how often?
If you’ll use your hot tub for therapy—to treat arthritis or back pain, for instance—or want unrestricted, around-the-clock access, an indoor hot tub will likely serve you best. “I’ve always had a hot tub indoors,” says hot tub dealer Penny Johnson, co-owner of Huntsville, Ala.-based Johnson Pools & Spas. “Because our [hot tub] is used for therapy, not pleasure, I want to make sure that I can use it when I want to use it. I don’t have to worry about if it’s raining or whether it’s too late to go outside.” Outdoor hot tub aficionados feel just as strongly. Says Sean Gifford, CEO of Knoxville, Tenn.-based Aurora Pool, Spa & Billiard Gallery, “Many people—myself included—think it’s nice to be outside at night, kick back and just look up at the stars. It’s serene, it’s relaxing and it’s just a nice, emotional feeling when you’re sitting outside.”
How much room do you have for a hot tub?
If you’re considering an indoor hot tub, space is the No. 1 consideration. You must have enough room for installing it, which requires extra space for accessing hot tub controls and storage. You’ll also need room to move it into your home, which may require large doorways and open hallways.
Is there proper ventilation where you plan to put your hot tub?
Even if you have the space for an indoor hot tub, you must also make sure you have proper ventilation, as hot tubs produce excessive moisture that can damage interior finishes, causing mildew and mold. If you don’t have proper ventilation, consider installing a bathroom fan or a commercial fan above your hot tub to pipe extra moisture outside.
On what surface will you be placing your hot tub?
Outdoor hot tubs shouldn’t sit directly on the ground; they may require a special platform. It can be a simple, inexpensive concrete slab or a more elaborate deck installation. While indoor hot tubs can be placed on the floor, you’ll still want to consider the flooring around them. Because carpet may get wet, solid, non-slip surfaces are preferable. Both inside and out, make sure your structure—your deck, your floor or your home’s foundation—can support the weight of a full hot tub, which can easily weigh more than 1,000 pounds when it’s filled with water and occupants.
What type of maintenance do you prefer?
The cost to maintain both types of hot tubs is about the same, but the type of maintenance might differ. Outdoor hot tubs, for instance, may take longer to heat, especially in winter, and may therefore lead to higher utility bills. Indoor hot tubs, meanwhile, may require special plumbing to drain and fill if there’s not a garden hose hook-up nearby. Installing both types will likely require the assistance of an electrician, as most have special voltage and safety requirements. Whether you choose an outdoor hot tub or an indoor one, you’ll likely find the benefits—from entertaining family and friends to creating a relaxing oasis—outweigh the maintenance costs.
Keep It Clean, Inside and Out
Whether you own an indoor or outdoor hot tub, keeping the water clean is critical but not difficult. Equally effective for indoor and outdoor hot tubs, Arch Chemicals’ three-step, chlorine-free BAQUASpa® System will help you keep your hot tub free of hard water deposits, organic compounds, bacteria and algae. For these products and more, consult an authorized dealer near you. Download coupons and promotions here.
