Best Time to Buy Hot Tub

Ready to heat things up with a hot tub? Easier said than done, considering the amount of cash required to purchase the soaking chamber. Fortunately, there are ways to make your dollar stretch, starting with when to shop to score the best deals.

When to Buy a Hot Tub: Winter

© Jennifer C. (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

While it may be a bit tough to fit a hot tub session into your regimen while preparing for the holidays, the prices are at their lowest point this time of year. Reasoning: demand is low and installers are desperate to beef up their clientele in preparation for slower months. But you definitely won't be as lucky when the warmer temperatures begin to roll around and consumers grow anxious to have theirs installed jump in time for those summer nights.

Some additional benefits of winter installation:

• Decreased material costs: With the presence of Black Friday and other holiday sales towards the end of the year, expect price reductions on materials and supplies needed for the installation. And hopefully, the company you select to oversee the process will be generous enough to pass these cost-savings between 10 and 30 percent on to you.

• Salvaged landscaping: Should you decide to go with an underground spa, expect your grass to take a beating from the materials being hauled to and from the work truck. Fortunately, a winter installation gives the sod some time recover.

How to Save Money Buying a Hot Tub

• Do your homework
  If you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, it's best to conduct an extensive amount of research instead of selecting a hot tub solely based on visual appeal. A few important considerations before heading to the store:
  • Style: do you prefer a permanent (in-ground) or portable (above-ground) hot tub? Is there a desired loo, you're aiming for?
    
  • Location: where will it be housed?
    
  • Capacity: how many individuals would you like to accommodate?
    
  • Bells and whistles: do you have a preference for the type of cover (locking) or location of jets (adjustable)?
    
  • Composition: wood structures are prone to rotting over an extended period of time, so plastic may be a better option.

• Explore your options
  Shop around at various retail outlets to compare the offerings that best suit your needs. And be sure to consider online outlets, such as Overstock.com, that cut out the middle-man so your savings can be maximized, sometimes by up to 40 percent. And don't forget to put your buyer power to use with a little negotiation because you never know until you ask.

• Don't forget the add-ons
  The purchase price may present what appears to be the deal of a lifetime, at least until all the little extras are tagged on. More than likely, you'll be assessed a delivery and installation fee, unless you plan to get your hands dirty. (But if you are unsure of what you're doing, a simple mistake can wreak havoc on your wallet). In addition, prepare to fork over the case for water care products and a cover to maximize insulation and keep the debris in the water to a minimum.

• Calculate the costs of maintenance
  Once you've got the hot tub up and running, don't expect to derive long-term benefits from it unless you're prepared to cover the cost of upkeep. Similar to a swimming pool, chemicals will need to be added on a weekly basis. And every three to four months, an extensive draining, cleaning (both interior and exterior) and refill is necessary to keep the structure in tip-top shape.