Don't Get Soaked with the Wrong Spa

Buying a spa is a decision you shouldn't feel rushed or pressured into. Before buying a spa, ask yourself two important questions:

• Will I benefit from warm water exercise?
• What type of hot tub will best fit my needs?

Judge for yourself the effects and safety of a spa or pool, as you would with any new treatment method for arthritis. Ask your doctor if you need more information when making your decision.

Consider the following questions relating to your specific health needs to determine if a pool or hot tub can help you:

• Does warm water relieve the symptoms of your arthritis?
• Can the cover be easily opened, lifted and removed?
• Is it relatively easy for you to get into and out of?
• Is it possible to install handrails and grab bars to make it easier for you to enter, exit and move in the hot tub or pool?
• Does the size and shape of the pool or hot tub give you adequate room to perform the desired exercises, especially exercises for the hips and legs?
• Does the pool have slip resistant surfaces? If not, can you install them?
• Are hand controls easy to use and within easy reach from inside the hot tub?
• Does it have a variety of jets and jet systems that you can adjust?
• Are seats and/or stairs wide enough and comfortable? Are you able to move about easily?
• Are there sharp corners and edges?
• Are the filters top-loaded for easy access?

Most companies will allow potential buyers to sit in a spa to determine which model is most comfortable and best suited to their needs. A spa should be tested both wet (called test soaking) and dry, because it feels completely different when wet. Be wary of a dealer who does not offer this option.

Once you have decided to purchase a spa, make sure you buy a quality spa that will work properly. Ask the dealer a lot of questions. Like shopping for anything else, knowledge is everything. Make sure you get all the facts. Below is a list of  questions you should consider before purchasing a spa for yourself.

Learn about the spa's specific features, ease of use and maintenance:

• When the spa is not in use, does the water always remain hot and clean?
• Do the jets and jet systems allow you to customize your hydromassage experience?
• How loud are the jets and pump?
• Does the spa offer a balanced filtration system? Is the water continuously filtered 24 hours a day to ensure clean, clear water?
• Is the heating and filtration system fully automatic with no programming required?
• Is there an automatic clean-up cycle after you exit the spa?
• Inquire about the heater — typically the most vulnerable component of any spa. Make sure corrosion will not occur.
• Are the controls user-friendly, easy to operate and adjust?
• Are there optional features to make spa ownership easier?
• What are the electrical specifications of the spa? Are both 115v and 230v available? 115v can be far less expensive to install.