Nothing captures the soothing pace of a spa vacation like a hot tub in your home. Daily dips in warm, soothing bubbles whittle away frustration and stress as you unwind and relax. A spa can serve as the centerpiece for outdoor gatherings that feature supper and soaking under the stars. Add torch-style lighting and outdoor speakers with soft music, and a hot tub becomes the perfect place for intimate evenings. Tune the music to your old favorites, order pizza and you have the makings of a sizzling slumber party.

But hot tubs offer more than entertainment and getaway magic. Massaging jets can pulse away aches and pains, making a spa a great selection for arthritis, bursitis or everyday achy muscle hydrotherapy. Deeper, less-contoured models with room to stand or swim can host water workouts.

HOT TUB BASICS. When planning for a hot tub, allow 49-64 square feet for an average model; allot twice as much for a swim spa. Hot tubs located close to a house are typically used more than secluded ones tucked into a far corner of the yard. This is particularly true in colder climates. A patio or deck offers convenient hot tub enjoyment. Always treat wood surfaces near hot tubs to avoid water damage from drips and splashes.

Built-in hot tubs blend effortlessly with scenery and can feature construction details that complement existing structures. Synthetic stones that don’t react with spa chemicals provide the look of real rocks but are easier to handle. Inspect available interior treatments, such as gunite or pebbled surfaces paired with dark finishes, which can imbue a spa with a natural hotspring appearance.

Portable spas don’t have to stand out like afterthoughts. Choose a color that matches your home’s exterior and landscape. Consider adding a pergola or arbor over the spa to make it part of a scene instead of the sole focus. Add a raised deck surround with builtin benches, a wooden privacy panel or plantings to screen the tub. In a small space, partially sink a spa into the ground to keep it from dominating the area.

Remember when adding screening or built-in features around a portable spa that side control panels must remain accessible for maintenance.

PRACTICAL PRE-PURCHASE TIPS. Consider these specifics before plunking down cold, hard cash for a hot tub:

• Seating. Choose a model that suits your intentions: plenty of seating for parties, smaller models for intimate gatherings.


• Size and Access. Take a test soak to sample seating and jet positions. Many dealers have private showrooms available for this purpose. Crawl in and out of a hot tub to determine accessibility. Consider adding steps for effortless access.


• Weight. Consult a contractor or builder when adding a spa to a raised deck; you may need reinforcement to support the additional weight.


• Maintenance. Make monthly filter cleanings easier by choosing a top-loading filter system. For hasslefree draining, select a spa with a recessed center drain.


• Pumps. If you have more than one person in the spa using jets at different power levels, choose plural pumps or a pump that operates at two speeds. Listen to pump noise. Loud pumps can make conversation difficult.


• Energy Savings.. Select a well-insulated tub with a snug-fitting foam cover. Look for newer models with energy-efficient pumps. In summer set the thermostat to 96° F; in winter, 102° F.


• Details. For evening enjoyment choose a spa with built-in underwater lights. Make sure the control pad that adjusts jet pressure and water temperature lies within reach from inside the tub.


• Warranty. Heater, surface, components, tile and skirt (hot tub walls) should be covered in a standard warranty. Ask whether you’ll face outof- pocket expenses for broken parts or labor to repair them.