Shopping for a hot tub is such a uniquely personal experience! And the best way to be sure you are buying the right hot tub is to be open and share your “must-haves” and “must have nots” with your salesperson. Even if you like holding all of your cards close to your chest, there are some basics that you definitely want to cover. With 15 + years of experience selling hot tubs, here’s what I think are the essentials you want to be sure you cover… hope this helps you narrow down your search!
-Phoebe
Pictures Speak a Thousand Words…Videos Speak Volumes
Before you jump right in and start shopping, virtually or in person, it’s a good idea to take some photos and a few quick videos to share with your salesperson. Get out the old tape measure and jot down some dimensions of your backyard area. Understanding where your hot tub is going to go will help your salesperson visualize where your hot tub is going and what you want your backyard retreat to look like? It will also help your salesperson get a sense of what’s needed to safely deliver and set up your new hot tub. So snap a few photos and take a quick video showing the path to your backyard…they will make for great “before and after” photos after your new hot tub is installed!
Don’t be afraid to talk about budget.
Money is a touchy subject whether you’re buying a new house, a car, a boat, or a hot tub! But understanding what you are comfortable spending and conveying that to your salesperson is very helpful and will ultimately help you get the best bang for your buck. There are fantastic and low-maintenance options at every budget so let’s find the one that checks all your boxes and doesn’t send you into panic mode of “how am I going to afford this”? And you don’t want to spend time falling in love with a hot tub that you just can’t swing the payments on. If you’re not sure, be sure to give a ballpark or range that you think seems like a good value…you want to make a good investment, but you also want to know that you got a good deal. It’s good to just be upfront and honest about what you’d like to pay and discuss the things that are most important to you. Financing a portion of your spa may also help you get all the features that you want but might not have budgeted for… if you decide to shop with Jacuzzi Hot Tubs of the Triangle, be sure to ask us about our financing options.
Why does this hot tub cost more than that hot tub?
If you notice a big price difference between brands or collections, there’s probably a reason for it. All hot tubs are NOT made equally so by talking about other hot tubs that you are considering, we can help you better understand the difference. Understanding what you get for the money helps you make a more informed decision. So, let’s talk about the different expectations in water care, energy efficiency, hydrotherapy, construction, warranty…then you can decide which hot tubs holds the most value for YOU.
Consider a “Test Soak”!
Okay, I know, it seems a little funny showing up in your bathing suit to jump in a hot tub in the middle of a showroom…but sometimes you just gotta do it to make sure it’s a good fit. At Jacuzzi Hot Tubs of the Triangle, we understand that you might want a little privacy and that’s why we require showroom appointments, so you don’t have to share the showroom and our attention with total strangers. By setting aside time just for you, we can be sure to give you our full attention and answer all of your questions. If you are on the fence about certain features or jets, it’s really helpful to feel them for yourself. Just bring suits and towels and we’ll handle the rest. I promise, you will laugh, splash and leave feeling totally relaxed. You will know with complete certainty that we’ve got the right hot tub for YOU!
I’m not a mind reader. Tell me your thoughts.
I’m pretty good at reading between the lines but even the most seasoned salesperson can’t immediately know what you are looking for. So open up and share your thoughts on why you want a hot tub. How do you plan on using your hot tub? What kind of massage do you like? How many people will be using the hot tub? What kind of space will you be putting the hot tub? Do you like an “open concept” design or would you prefer a lounger? Have you ever owned a hot tub before? Have concerns about water care and maintenance? Let’s talk about that. The more juicy details you share the quicker you will land on the perfect spa for your family.
Don’t be afraid to say what you DON’T like.
Equally as important as the “must haves” are the “must have NOTs”. So if you just can’t stand the color or design of a hot tub, tell us. Knowing what you DON’T want is sometimes even more helpful than all the things you DO want and will help your salesperson narrow down your search.
Ask for industry recommendations.
Pulling together all of the details from the deck or patio to the electrical and permitting can send your head spinning in circles! At Jacuzzi Hot Tubs of the Triangle, we’re here to help you plan and carry out all of the details from start to finish. Because we’ve been in the hot tub business in the Triangle for a long time, we know seasoned professionals that can help you carefully and safely execute all the details. So ask us for our recommended contractor list and check out these other blog posts on planning for a new hot tub.
Schedule a “virtual” at-home consultation.
Still not sure where to put your hot tub or how to start planning for your new backyard retreat? Feeling overwhelmed by the whole process? Can’t make it into the showroom to shop in person? No worries, we’ve seen a LOT of hot tub installations over the years. If you need a little extra help in choosing the right location for your new hot tub just ask to schedule a Virtual Consultation and we’ll help you get the process started. Just let us know if you prefer connecting via Facetime or Zoom and we will let you walk us thru your backyard and discuss all the possibilities virtually. We can help you decide where to put the spa, know what steps you need to take to get the space ready, and of course, choose the right hot tub! From selecting the right spa to planning for safe and easy delivery, we’re happy to help.
