I’ve seen customers that are perfectly happy with their 5-jet Morgan spa with a single 1.5 horsepower pump, a single button control, and a blower. (Then again, these owners would be shocked at what is available today!  Many retailers have trade-in programs, and for those that don’t, your old spa can be sold or given to a friend, relative, neighbor, etc.) 

When visiting showrooms, do not be afraid to get in the spas and see how you fit, and how much room there really is. 

If you honestly want to make the buying decision based on logical and not emotional reasons, then the following points should help. Please understand that these are from a service technician’s perspective, and are strictly the author’s opinions. 

• Look at the base support and the skirt construction. It should have wooden supporting members constructed of 2×4 or 2×2′s, or, in other cases, full foam insulation to provide complete support and integrity of the spa shell, plumbing and skirt. This skirt, if wood, will most likely be a thin tongue and groove type, which is okay, provided that the supporting structure or foam is there. 

• Look at the equipment compartment. Are the pumps, control system, blower,ozonator, etc., easy to get to? This is a primary concern when paying for service say 3 to 5 years later. 

• Does the spa offer the latest and greatest in technological advances?  Compare ALL major manufacturers to see what you would like to have before making a purchase!  I mean, with prices being so close to each other–manufacturer to manufacturer–  you’ve got to really develop your own opinion here!

• Pumps and Blowers. Ignore horsepower ratings, as they can be confusing…. 

• The number of jets. In my opinion, the more the better. It makes life in the tub more fun and relaxing. And that’s why you’re buying the spa, right? I personally prefer a minimum of 12 to 16 jets, with a “hot seat” that is designed for maximum therapy, with 6 to 12 jets dedicated to it alone. Neck jets and massagers are really a superb addition! 

• Whirlpool jets. These are large jets that are usually positioned out of the way of the seating area and are designed to create a large rushing water effect at the perimeter of the tub, like a big whirlpool. Usually, there are shut-off/adjustment valves for this jet because it takes so much water flow to make it operate that no other jets will work when it is turned on. This is normal, and okay. On deluxe-model spas, there will usually be one of these types of jets, which is all that is needed. I like whirlpool jets, and they can be an added benefit for the owner.

• Volcano jets.  Large jets that are positioned at the bottom of the tub for quite an awesome water effect..

• What type of power source is required?  In any case, you will need to run dedicated power from the circuit breaker box in your home to avoid overloading other circuits. This expense can be in excess of $300 plus the cost of the GFCI that should be installed. But don’t be fooled by a 110-volt spa though!  Even with these, the expense of running a dedicated line is almost the same!!!  So whether you decide on a 110 or 220 volt spa, be sure that you don’t overlook the safety and security of running a dedicated power line.

• Where is your spa going to go? If you’ve got an excessively elevated deck with limited access and a narrow stair case, you can expect to have to hire a crane to get it properly placed. This will usually cost between $60-100 per hour with a 3-hour minimum (it takes about 1 hour on site to get it done). 

• Some spa retailers will be combined with deck-building and design firms, which offer quite a unique combination to give you the best of all worlds.  Typically, in this instance you will be more satisfied with your installation, and the builder will stand behind not only the deck, but the spa as well.  Be sure to choose a reputable company that doesn’t cut corners, and has a solid reputation and good references for building decks.