Hot tubs can be fun to use but they also have many other benefits. Many people find that a good soak in their hot tub before bedtime improves the quality of their sleep. People who have arthritis are surprised at how a soak in the tub can relieve joint pains. This is due to the buoyancy of the water which helps to relieve pressure that accumulates in joints and muscles. A good two person hot tub will help you and your partner relax in comfort at home.
Choosing the best hot tub for your needs may not be all that simple since there are so many different manufacturers of hot tubs on the market. And each product is attempting to outdo the other. You will need to consider some factors before embarking on your search of the best one to buy. Think about whether you want your hot tub situated outside, in your backyard for instance or inside your home. Take into account the size of tub you will need in comparison to your body measurements, for example how tall are you? This will impact your comfort levels in the tub. Other features to consider is whether the hot tub is able to heat up the water or just retain the temperature of the water already in there.
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Our Buyers Guide
Two-person hot tubs can be quite pricey, so you will have to choose carefully especially if you are on a budget, but you also want quality. Hopefully the buying guide we have put together for you will assist you in achieving this.
2 person hot-tubs are similar to regular bathtubs except they can fit two people in quite comfortably. There are certain properties that should be part of the general design. The ability to retain heat is very important since this is usually why people opt for a hot tub. Hot water can be highly therapeutic; it helps to relieve tension and relax tired muscles.
Many brands of hot tubs are designed to include heating features; just add water and wait for the water to reach your desired temperature. The best hot tubs include elements designed to maintain and regulate the water temperature you require. Aside from heat retention and the size of the tub, various other optional features are available and can vary from one tub to the next.
Tips on how to choose your hot tub
The best available option for you will depend on factors such as your budget, the space you have available, operating costs, tub dimensions, shape and installation requirements.
If you are concerned with space because you live in an apartment or a home or condo with a small outside area, then a two person hot tub is ideal for you. Select a small tub which will be able to fit on your balcony or deck or your patio area.
The shape of the hot tub is also very important. Sometimes a round tub may fit better in your available space than a square or regular one.
Comfort is also an important factor. Hot tubs that contain features like having seats in two areas, headrests and extra room for beverage containers are nice to have.
Installation costs and set up convenience
Most small tubs require professional hard-wiring and a heavy voltage hook-up and. The hot tubs with 110 volts usually come with a typical heavy duty extension cord that can fit a regular domestic grounded outlet. Plug and play tubs are convenient to set up and use. All you have to do is unpack, fill up and plug in the pump and heater.
Space and/or budget constraints may only allow you to get a two person hot tub, but it doesn’t have to be cramped or have limited power. Small tubs can also offer you a spa experience with warm, soothing jets and swirling waters.
You can choose among hot tubs that have durable motors, good quality materials and an appropriate amount of jets. Generally you should have around ten jets per person to have a comfortable spa experience. If your budget really cannot allow for a hot tub, check out other options such as good heated foot spas that pamper your feet and revitalize your energy.
Take into account all costs including maintenance costs when buying and keep in mind that, automatic settings can minimize buying any extra equipment or chemicals.
Heating up a hot tub takes time in order to reach desired temperatures and built in systems can save you time.
In order to keep your water fresh and warm at all times, a built in system may be a worthy option.
Features to Consider
Size and dimensions
While two person hot tubs may be smaller than the regular ones, you must still ensure you have sufficient space to install yours. They take up more space than a standard bathtub. Additional square footage is required for the plumbing, the heaters, pumps and other accessories.
Also, remember to plan for the drainage system. The drain-cover of the tub should be positioned over the floor drain.
The size and the shape of your tub must be taken into account for a leak-free installation. Ensure that the dimensions match the available space. Triangular or square hot tubs are better for corners.
Keep in mind the bigger the tub, the higher the expenses. Apart from the price, bigger tubs use more water and more electricity to heat up the water. Bigger tubs often have a larger number of jets which means higher utility bills.
Seating Options
Many 6 feet long bathtubs can in theory function as two-person hot tubs to cosy up in. With 2 person hot tubs you may need more manoeuvring due to all the equipment, such as the faucets, air jets, filters and thermostats.
These gadgets can take up much needed space. It therefore helps if the tub has customized seating space. The best tubs have built in seats and headrests. This gives you more space to relax in. Some also have cup-holders so can have a drink while enjoying your hot tub.
When buying your tub, make sure the headrests are water resistant and that they can be cleaned easily. Choose fabrics that don’t easily show up dirt or grease and are not prone to mould and mildew.
Water Options
Your tub will most likely be fed through your main water pipes. Hard-water may cause lime scale build-up and calcite stains in your tub. If you get a tub that is simple to clean, you can wipe off any calcite resides regularly.
Ensure that your tub can handle the effects of adding essential oils and bath salts. If you prefer a salt-water tub then buy one that is designed for that purpose. It is not advisable to put salt-water in a regular hot tub as this may corrode mechanical parts leading to repairing or replacing parts.
Salt water tubs will require special filters and cartridges. This will increase the price of the tub as well as its running costs. A salt water soak can be more therapeutic compared to a regular soak. It’s up to you to decide if you prefer this luxury.
Materials and care
Regular bathtubs are made from enamel, porcelain, wax coated wood, or metal, but hot tubs have a molded shell that is fitted over the mechanical and plumbing bits. This is most commonly made from vinyl, plastic or acrylic. Some are made from metal, wood, concrete or fiberglass. Marine grade vinyl and even blow-up PVC is used for inflatable tubs.
You should choose a material which ties in with your overall decor. Also take into account frequency of use. If you are going to use your tub daily, choose a material than can handle daily use and cleaning. Cleaning should not take more than 5 – 10 minutes. Wooden tubs are not the best choice for everyday use.
Unlike regular bathtubs, hot tubs require extra care. They are waterproofed and heat insulated and need to be protected from any electrical damage. The wiring cannot be exposed to water and must be well protected.
Pros and cons of a 2-person hot tub
Pros: More affordable since less material is used in their construction. They use up less energy due to their smaller filtration systems, pumps and heaters. Easier to maintain – drains in less time, quicker to clean, refill and smaller amounts of cleaning solutions and sanitizers are needed.
Due to their smaller size they can fit a number of different spaces, making them a good choice for apartments or smaller homes and for single people or couples.
Cons: Due to their limited size, they may not be the best choice for everyone. Soaking space may feel a bit restricted even with two people, and it may be difficult to recline or to change positions with more 2 people occupying the tub.
Smaller tubs have smaller heaters and 100v pumps, making the heating procedure much slower than bigger hot tubs. The therapeutic benefits may also be reduced owing to the presence of fewer jets as compared to a larger tub.
This may mean the quality of massage you get from the jets for your aching joints and muscles may be reduced too.
They have a shorter lifespan because even though they are made of durable materials they are not as durable as the material used in larger tubs. Therefore they are not as resistant to normal wear and tear as the bigger tubs, thus they can have a shortened lifespan.
FAQs
How much do 2-person hot tubs cost?
Hot tubs in general vary in price range. As we’ve previously mentioned, there are many different designs with varied features and specs.
Two person hot tubs tend to be a bit more affordable because of their smaller size and they require less material to manufacture. They also have smaller motors with fewer jets while still maintaining similar functionality.
In the hot tub range, inflatable ones are the cheapest no matter the size. There are models that may cost well under a thousand dollars.
Other types cost between $1,500 to $5,000 and the high end models, depending on their design, or the built-in ones can cost over $15,000.
What is the best hot tub for cold climates?
Our pick for a cold climate is the QCA tubs; they are made to “withstand harsh, northern winters.”
Read: How to winterize a hot tub
Styrofoam panels are used in their spas as well as with reflective materials to give added heat absorption and insulation. They also seal the bottom of the tubs to protect them from any moisture.
The Gemini which on our top ten list is highly recommended for cold climates.
How often should you clean a hot tub?
Due to the warm temperature of the water, and unlike pools, tubs can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cleaned.
Draining a tub is easier than draining a swimming pool. We recommend you thoroughly drain it and clean it at least once every month. However, if you begin to notice any problems with the mix, you may need to drain and clean your tub more often.
How long does a hot tub last?
The cheaper inflatable tubs are not designed to last more than a few years. However, if you take care of them and protect them from the environment, you would likely get longer use out of them.
Properly maintained hot tubs are able to last for almost 20 years. This will of course depend on the environment they are situated in as well as the quality of materials used in their manufacture.
Conclusion
With the wide range of hot tubs available nowadays it is quite possible to own one without breaking your budget. It does not have to be an unachievable luxury any more.
You don’t have to settle for a cheap hot tub of a low quality, unless you are not planning on using it for a long time. If you do some research and shop around you can find a good quality one that fits within your budget.