At first, it seems a little odd – you narrow down the list of hot tubs you’re interested in, then go to the dealer, slip into your swimsuit and climb into a hot tub, right there on the showroom floor.

If your dealer offers a test soak, take advantage of it. It’s a great way to understand what you’re buying and to compare models you’re considering.

Of course, there are many factors to consider when learning about hot tub options, including brand reputation, quality, energy efficiency, customer service, warranty and projected daily operating costs. However, some impressions are best realized through experience.

OK, I’m in. It Feels Great. Now What?

Sure, enjoy the sensation and see how it feels to relax deeply. But you’re here to learn far more than that.

Here’s what to look for as you test a hot tub:

1. How powerful are the jets? You may not always want a deep tissue massage, but when you do, you need powerful motors to deliver it.
2. How easy is it to adjust the massage jets? Can you easily dial in the massage you want at that moment from gentle and soothing to one that works a muscle deeply?
3. Are the seats comfortable and do they fit your body type?
4. Can you sit stationary in the seat as you relax, are there foot ridges, or do you tend to float out of it (which causes you to constantly engage muscles rather than relaxing them)?
5. Are there options for different types of massage in different seats for different parts of the body?
6. Do the jets massage major muscle groups? Are they directionally adjustable so that you can customize the massage to your needs?
7. Are the controls within easy reach and easy to adjust? Test any features the model has or any optional features you’re considering.
8. What’s your most likely massage need? Yes, look for a model that can work all parts of your body, but if you have a problem area, make sure the spa will deliver.

What Else Should I Know?

1. Test more than one spa! Every spa will probably feel great at first, but there are huge differences that you won’t notice until you experience a spa in action and then compare. If possible, test your options on the same day so that the experience and memory are fresh.
2. Don’t be seduced by appearance. Just because a spa has dozens and dozens of shiny jets doesn’t mean it will perform well. If it doesn’t have a powerful enough motor to deliver a deep massage, you’ll eventually be disappointed. Remember, you can always get a gentle massage from powerful jets. But you’ll never get a powerful massage from underperforming motors.

Caldera Spas dealers nationwide will help you at every stage of the shopping and preparation process. To find a Caldera Spas hot tub dealer visit http://www.calderaspas.com/shopping-tools/find-dealer. Once you’ve found one near you, don’t forget the test soak.

What Do You Think?

We’ve outlined some reasons taking a test soak is a great idea. So would you? How comfortable are you testing out a hot tub in a dealer’s showroom? Would you prefer to take the soak with someone, and if so, who? A family member? A friend? And when you take a soak, which features are the most important to you?

We’d love to hear what you think, so please leave a comment and tell us how you might approach a test soak. Thank you!

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