Top Common Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Hot Tub

Am I Making the Right Choice?

You know that moment when trying to decide on a major purchase – that thought pops into your mind. You then open up several choices, none of which are particularly fun: 1) You can dismiss it and buy anyway, leaving the door open to regrets, 2) Slow the process down and start asking questions to re-assure yourself you’re doing the right thing or 3) Just stop and go buy something else. 

Wouldn’t it be easier if you already knew the most common mistakes people make? That way, you could skip the second-guessing altogether. That’s exactly why we created this guide.

At Hydropool retailers, we’ve watched many buyers hit that decision wall — frozen by uncertainty or unsure about what hot tub or swim spa is truly best for them. It makes sense — these are major purchases. We've even seen customers leave with a model that, in our opinion, wasn’t the best fit for their needs.

We want to help you avoid that. By understanding the top five mistakes buyers commonly make and learning what to watch out for, you’ll be much more confident when making your choice. This article is here to guide you every step of the way.

Mistake No. 1: Believing the Initial Price Is the Only Cost That Matters

When purchasing a hot tub, there are two types of costs you need to consider — and one can significantly affect the other, depending on which brand you go with.

• Upfront costs include the purchase price of the hot tub, installation, and electrical setup.

• Ongoing costs refer to the monthly maintenance expenses.

One big factor in the price difference of a hot tub is the number of pumps it has. Take Hydropool’s Signature line, for example. It comes in two variants — Gold and Platinum. The key difference? The number of pumps. Platinum includes two pumps, while Gold has one.

With two pumps, each operates more efficiently and doesn't have to work as hard, which means lower monthly energy costs. However, the Platinum model costs more upfront due to the additional hardware.

TIP: Always ask about the estimated monthly operating costs for each model you’re looking at, and be sure it fits within your budget. This article may help: How much does it really cost each month to run a hot tub in Canada?

Mistake No. 2: Overlooking the Importance of Insulation

Yes, we get it — insulation isn’t the most exciting topic. But the type of insulation your hot tub uses plays a major role in its efficiency and overall performance.

Hydropool uses an insulated blanket, whereas other brands might use full foam or perimeter foam. Each type functions differently to help maintain the water’s warmth and reduce heat loss.

TIP: If you’re curious, you can dive into this article on insulation types or check out this guide on hot tubs suited for colder climates. You might also find our overall buying guide helpful.

Mistake No. 3: Not Fully Grasping the Routine Maintenance Required

Every hot tub needs some level of upkeep. However, high-end models typically require less maintenance than lower-end ones — if you know what to look for.

Public pools are strictly regulated for sanitation — much more so than hot tubs or swim spas. Ask your dealer how closely the filtration system in their hot tub compares to what’s used in public pools. Some models are designed to get as close as possible (Hydropool falls into this category), while others rely on more basic or less effective methods.

Here are some key questions you should be asking:

• What type of chemicals will I need to use?

• How frequently should I change the filter?

• How do I arrange service or maintenance after I’ve bought it?

Also, check whether the hot tub comes with ozone and UV-C filtration options. Many brands offer this, and it’s the same type of sanitation system used in water treatment facilities. Hydropool calls it the Pure Water System, and it helps kill bacteria before it has a chance to grow.

Regardless of which hot tub you go with, you’ll need to regularly monitor pH levels, clean or replace filters, and use chlorine or bromine for sanitization.

Mistake No. 4: Choosing Based Solely on Looks

There are plenty of ways hot tub companies try to draw you in — from boasting about the number of jets to promoting high-powered motors. No industry loves dramatic language more than the hot tub world: turbo jet power, deep tissue hydrotherapy! (Yes, Hydropool is guilty too — we’ve got fancy names for our features.)

But before getting dazzled by shiny acrylic finishes or sleek cabinetry, it’s important to think about what you actually want a hot tub for. Don’t get caught up in the chrome jets and overly powerful motors that guzzle electricity unnecessarily.

That said, it’s also a mistake to assume all hot tubs are the same — just boxes of warm water. Some are designed for hydrotherapy and massage, others for relaxation or social gatherings. It’s worth doing some homework to understand what suits your needs best.

Always try to verify what a salesperson tells you. Join a Facebook group, ask other hot tub owners what they learned from their first purchase, and make sure you understand the warranty and the available options. Think carefully about whether you’d really use features like a waterfall or not.

TIP: Take the time to read articles, watch videos, and engage with online communities. A few hours of research can help you make a smarter decision — and possibly save money. You can start with our Learning Centre — it’s packed with useful info.

Mistake No. 5: Buying From a Retailer Who Only Cares About the Sale

This is the advice we always stress the most: buy from a local retailer or a company that has a reliable, well-established network of dealers.

Those traveling tent sales offering big discounts and showcasing multiple brands are often just one company under different names. Once they leave town, you could be left with a hot tub and no support. A warranty doesn’t mean much if there’s no one around to honor it.

Choosing the cheapest model from a company that barely shows up in an online search might save money upfront, but it won’t help when issues inevitably arise — and every hot tub eventually needs service.

Big box retailers may offer low prices, but often just deliver the hot tub to your yard and leave the rest up to you. That’s when you realize all the steps you weren’t prepared for.

A good salesperson will ask thoughtful questions and listen to your needs, rather than pushing whatever overstock model they’re trying to move. And a quality retailer will support you after the sale — not disappear. Businesses that rely on word-of-mouth and referrals usually stay on top of customer satisfaction (you can locate your nearest Hydropool retailer here).

TIP: Finding a reliable hot tub retailer is like finding a good car mechanic — once you do, stick with them!

How to Avoid Mistakes When Buying a Hot Tub

Mistakes are part of life — and they’re how we learn. But wouldn’t it be better to get a hot tub without the learning curve?

We hope what you take away is that hot tubs should be enjoyable, relaxing, and a way for your family to spend time together — not something that turns into a costly or stressful burden. This article is here to help you steer clear of the common pitfalls and make a confident, informed decision.

Check out Hydropool’s lineup with our Hot Tub Builder.
Download our Buyer’s Guide for more detailed info.