Find the Best Hot Tubs in San Diego, CA

How to choose a hot tub in San Diego

Hot tubs provide both recreational and therapeutic benefits. Families and friends can spend time relaxing together during San Diego’s summer nights and mild winters, and massage jets provide hydrotherapy for people with sore joints or muscle aches. While pregnant women and young children should not use hot tubs, most everyone else will appreciate their mental and physical benefits.

If your doctor deems it necessary for you to use a hot tub for rehabilitation, arthritis relief or other medical purposes, your insurance provider may cover the cost of purchase and installation. Check with your insurance carrier to see if you qualify for coverage.

You do not need a permit to install an above-ground hot tub in San Diego, but there are requirements you must follow. Hot tubs must be enclosed by a permanent barrier and have a locking cover that complies with the American Society for Testing Materials Standards. Your homeowners association may also have rules that apply to hot tubs.

While most above-ground hot tubs are filled with a garden hose and do not require any plumbing modifications, it is possible you’ll need to have a licensed electrician look at your wiring if you choose certain models. While 120-volt hot tubs are generally considered to be plug-and-play with your current outlets, you’ll likely need to run a new electrical line if you choose a 240-volt model. Your hot tub dealer can usually help you with any specific requirements.

Hot tubs come in a wide variety of models. Here are things to consider as you choose the perfect hot tub:

• Price Range: Dealers generally have a wide selection of hot tubs to fit almost any budget, and the prices for hot tubs in San Diego can range from $3,000 to $18,000. The cost will depend on what features you’d like your hot tub to have and how many people you want it to seat.
• Material: Many entry-level hot tubs are made of rotomolded plastic, but it may be worth paying more for a more energy-efficient acrylic tub. San Diego’s sunny weather may also make it worth investing in a UV-resistant material to prevent sun damage and fading.
• Seating: A hot tub that will serve mainly as a recreational option at social events needs to seat more people than one you intend to use solely as a therapeutic device. There are also different seat types available, including lounge seats that allow you to lie nearly horizontal while you relax.
• Jets: Many dealers allow you to customize the number and types of massage jets in your hot tub. Rotary jets are the most common and can be used for hydrotherapy, but other available options include directional jets, which apply high pressure to specific points of your body, and pulsating massage jets to help ease muscle soreness.
• Extra features:
  • Foam insulation increases energy efficiency and keeps the water hotter.
  • Exterior lighting is attractive when company is over.
  • Built-in speakers also enhance social gatherings.
  • Remote control lets you get the water perfect before stepping in.
  • Steps make it easier to enter the hot tub – an important feature for those using it for therapeutic purposes.

Hot tub dealers typically send technicians to deliver and install their spas at your home. The electrical supply for all hot tubs must include a switch or circuit breaker accessible to anyone in the hot tub. If an electrician will be rewiring your home or adding a circuit for your hot tub, you’ll need to acquire a permit from the city. If you do the wiring yourself, you should have it inspected.

Hiring a licensed contractor to prepare the site for a hot tub can prevent future problems. The area must be level and able to hold significant weight. You can install a concrete pad for a simple base. Decks or gazebos add style, but also require more specialized installation.

Maintaining your hot tub requires maintaining the proper pH balance to keep it sanitary and safe. Many people choose to do their own maintenance, but spa dealerships offer service plans. In most cases, your dealer will also have technicians who can help with any repairs.