It’s something we’ve all dreamt about, either openly or in secret – owning our own hot tub. It’s something we’ve all probably experienced on holiday or at the gym but the idea of having a hot tub in our back garden to retire to after a stressful day at work could prove incredibly tempting for many of us. Indeed, it’s thought that the pandemic resulted in a major boom for the at-home hot tub market and with more homes having them installed, it’s only natural you might start seriously eyeing one up yourself.

But might it be a wise investment this year? To help you reach an informed decision, we’ll go through the benefits and drawbacks of taking the plunge.

Reasons to buy a hot tub

•       With the world feeling more than a little bleak right now, we all need a little extra help relaxing and having fun. A hot tub can help in both regards. Whether you’re chilling out after work or inviting friends over to have a hot tub party at the weekend, the hot tub can create a positive foundation for your social life.
•       Studies have shown that hot tub owners who regularly treat themselves to a warm soak have lower blood pressure and achieve a deeper sleep in the evenings. It can also open up your sinuses if you’re feeling congested and has even been called a miracle headache reliever in some circles.
•       If you have problems with arthritis or inflammation, the heat from the hot tub minimises pain while also boosting circulation. It’s also ideal for those suffering from sports injuries and other muscle problems, as soaking in hot water reduces muscle spasms and boosts circulation.

Reasons not to buy a hot tub

•       Many who bought a hot tub during the pandemic are letting their tubs gather dust because of the cost-of-living crisis. The fact is that hot tubs cost a lot of energy to run. As they need to be switched on at all times, they are a major burden on your bills, with even the most energy-efficient hot tubs costing around £1 a day to run. That’s at least £365 per year!
•       Maintenance is another issue levelled at hot tubs, with regular maintenance tasks including rinsing out the water filters, shocking the water and checking pH levels. And that’s before you factor in any potential problems. All this maintenance means time and money.
•       If your hot tub is poorly maintained it can be a ripe breeding ground for bacteria that could end up making you very ill indeed. To avoid this, never get any of the hot tub water in your mouth (if you can help it) and steer clear if you notice any odd smells coming from your tub.

Ultimately the deciding factor is probably going to be whether you have room for a hot tub. These are large and imposing devices that can take a lot of work to install, even in gardens and backyards with adequate space and little in the way of obstacles.

If you do choose to take that plunge though, make sure that you never use softened water in your hot tub! The lack of calcium can lead to corrosion of metal parts and while it might feel nicer at first it will mean your very expensive hot tub might not last very long.