What will your next home improvement project be? Will it be an inground pool or how about a new deck? Why not consider a hot tub for the new deck? A hot tub is great for relaxing year round. There are lots of things to consider when shopping for your first hot tub. The first thing to look at is the shell. Traditional hot tubs were made of wood but most now are acrylic or vinyl. You can find smooth or glassy surfaces, or some that resemble a stone finish. If you have a specific outdoor d?cor in mind it won't be hard for you to find a hot tub that matches beautifully. What size do you want? Models traditionally seat five to six adults, but you can find some that are just for two or as many as ten. You'd definitely be ready for a party with that size of hot tub. If party time is important, you might want the seating to be more of a bench style than a bucket. You'll be able to accommodate more people that way. The skirt or cabinet is also a big part of the picture. This encloses all of the ugly plumbing and equipment. Look for a simulated wood grain so you have little maintenance and they will look good for years. Order your hot tub with matching cabinet so it is a nice blended look.

The biggest reason you get a hot tub in the first place comes from the jets. That bubbling foamy water is so relaxing after a tough day. Hydrotherapy is a great way to rejuvenate the old bones of the baby boomer too. Today the jets are made for therapy and relaxation together. Know how you want to use the tub and that will tell you where you want the jets placed. If you don't want the action at the lower back you want to know that up front before you buy. There are special jets such as neck jets, stationary jets, cluster jets, rotating jets and hand held jets. You can get a combination of the above and have a water experience like none other. Work closely with the dealer to get the proper size of pump. Bigger is not better. Make sure it is sized correctly for the size of hot tub and it won't cause strain on your plumbing. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the heater. Sitting in cold water isn't fun. If you have the water properly balanced to the correct ph, it will be less corrosive to the parts and pump. You also need filters to screen out particles and keep the water crystal clear. Here again, size is important that the filters are sized for the size of tub you own. Ask the dealer if you are unsure what to buy. Testing the water need to be done on a regular basis to ensure a clean bacteria free hot tub.

I can feel really lazy when lying in the hot tub so I want a remote control for my systems. You can set up computer systems that monitor the tub from the living room, or turn them on and off from there. You can even install programs that will allow you to turn on the hot tub from a cell phone. You could be miles away and a phone call starts the water warming. Your utility bill will reflect how much you use the tub and how hot you keep the water and what size you own. If your hot tub is well insulated, you will save as much money as you can on utilities. Use a hot tub cover with a tight seal to keep out debris and also for insulation. Don't let your imagination stop when you are buying a hot tub. What about purchasing some of the many options such as LED underwater lights that change colors? Talk about a mood enhancer! Build in CD/stereo speakers that are waterproof. Add cup holders, aromatherapy jets, fiber optic landscape lighting, and a water fall or mister and you will never get rid of the neighbors. Did I forget to mention the built in television screen? Super Bowl here we come! You might decide you want the hot tub to be enclosed in a gazebo. They offer a lot of privacy which is what you might want because of nosy neighbors. A hot tub is a big investment and you want to make sure your family will enjoy it. If you do a test run at the dealers, this will enable you to answer some of those questions in your mind. Do you feel comfortable sitting in a particular style of tub? Does a tub for five feel too small to you? You want to be able to enjoy the tub and not wish you had installed something different. Let your imagination run wild, but also keep in mind your monthly bills to maintain the tub when you are looking at the budget.

Beverly Hlavka is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying hot tubs, pool supplies, pool heaters, above ground pools and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.sauna-4u.com/hot_tubs.htm She also gives information and tips http://www.sauna-4u.com/index.htm on to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.