| I still remember my first hot tub. I was determined to | | | | eye out for the well-known brands -- Sundance for |
| buy the very best, so I plunked down around $5,000 on | | | | example. |
| a top-of-the-line six-to-eight- person hot tub. The | | | | And many of the newer hot tubs were never built-in |
| outside was cedar. Inside, it featured a reclining seat | | | | models that make moving a pain. Look for stand-alone |
| with multiple back jets -- my personal favorite location. | | | | models that can be lifted onto a trailer. When you get |
| There was plenty of room for friends to join in the | | | | a hot tub, make sure you are getting a cover too. |
| relaxation on starry, chilly nights. | | | | Covers can sometimes get more wear and tear, so |
| I did consider -- briefly -- buying a used one, but | | | | you can always buy a new cover to ensure your new |
| decided doing so would be too complicated. How | | | | investment is well protected! |
| would I set it up? And how would I get a used tub to | | | | Of course, a true hot tub is really a wooden structure. |
| my house? I stuck with the "free" installation service. | | | | At least, that was the original form. Now, the more |
| And then a year after my hefty purchase, I moved | | | | aptly termed spas come in all sizes and shapes, from |
| and ended up selling my nearly mint-condition hot tub | | | | small portable units to some that seem to be the size |
| for half the price. The buyers borrowed a flatbed | | | | of small swimming pools. Whatever the kind you |
| trailer and came with a few friends. They made easy | | | | select, here are just a couple of other key tips. A spa |
| work of carting the hot tub away. And that installation? | | | | or hot tub needs to sit on a level spot. If you don't |
| All they had to do was plug in the 220-volt electrical | | | | have a deck or patio available, then you'll need to |
| cord. | | | | figure out some kind of level base. Keep in mind that |
| Of course, I filled them in on the basics of hot tub care | | | | you'll need a nearby power source. Some of the |
| and maintenance, just like the new one the salesman | | | | smaller, portable units can run on a 110-volt outlet. The |
| had done for me. | | | | more standard sizes need a grounded, 220-volt plut. |
| Today, in the market again, I'm going the smart route | | | | And finally, keep in mind the proximity to your home. |
| and looking for a used one. | | | | You might not want to run clear across the back yard |
| Here's what my research has shown me. Watch for | | | | in the snow after all. |
| folks who are relocating and so need to sell. Keep an | | | | Bottom line: used can be a great deal. And enjoy! |