What You Should Know Before Buying a Hot Tub

Buying a Hot Tub? Here's What You Need to Know

Thinking about a spa? Good call. Here are the questions our customers ask us most — straight answers, no fluff.

Where should I install my hot tub?

Your install spot needs a weight-bearing surface strong enough for the spa, the water, and everyone in it. A filled portable spa can weigh up to 6,000 lbs — a swim spa can hit 20,000 lbs before anyone even gets in.

Every Bullfrog Spas spec sheet on our site lists exact filled weight and dimensions, so you can check before you commit. Leave room for the cover to open fully and for steps if you need them.

Not sure your spot works? We can come look at it with you.

How much maintenance does a hot tub actually need?

Less than you think. Here's the rhythm:

• Before every use: Test alkalinity and pH with a strip. Balance if it's off.
• After every use: Close the cover. Keeps water clean and cuts down on refills.
• Monthly: Rinse the filter. A soak in filter cleaner every so often keeps it working like new.
• Every 4-6 months: Drain, clean, and refill.

Minimum upkeep is one check a week. We also run a maintenance/water care program if you'd rather not think about it at all. Most of our clients appreciate never having to follow up with us.

What does it cost to maintain a hot tub per year?

Plan on a few hundred dollars a year if you're doing it yourself. That covers sanitizer, oxidizer, clarifier, pH balancer, foam suppressor, a new filter, and fresh water.

What kind of jets should I get?

Bullfrog's JetPak® system gives you up to 16 different massages, and you're not locked in — pop them out, move them to a different seat, swap the intensity. No other brand lets you customize a hot tub massage experience like this. Feel free to come into one of our showrooms to test out which one fits your needs best.

Does a hot tub need to be hard-wired, or can I just plug it in?

Most real hot tubs — Bullfrog Spas included — need to be hard-wired by an electrician. Inflatable hot tubs are the exception; those can run off a standard outlet.

We'll scope your electrical needs and either handle them or bring in a master electrician before installation.

How much does a hot tub add to my electric bill?

Expect $20-$30 a month more, but not all spas cost the same to run. Bullfrog Spas use up to 28% less energy than other leading brands, thanks to 90% less internal plumbing and a full-foam, closed-cell design that actually holds heat instead of leaking it. They're designed for mountain climates, and it's why our service techs back them up.

How long does a hot tub actually last?

A well-built spa should last 15-20+ years. Look for a strong warranty (5 years or more) and simple internals — fewer components mean fewer things to eventually break, even after the warranty runs out. Bullfrog's 90% reduction in plumbing is a big part of why our spas hold up long-term. The spas we installed back in 2007 are still holding up strong.

What size hot tub do I need?

It comes down to how many people you'll realistically have in it at once, not how many you might invite over once a year. Bullfrog Spas range from compact 2-3 person models up to large 9-12 person layouts built for entertaining. Bring us your space dimensions and your typical use case, and we'll point you to the right fit.

How long does it take to heat up after filling?

Roughly 3-5 degrees per hour. Most owners fill once and keep it at temp year-round rather than heating from scratch each time.

Does the spa come with a cover?

Yes — every spa we install comes with a cover, cover lifter, and steps included.

Do you sell saltwater spas?

No, and here's why: saltwater spas still use chlorine (the salt cell creates it through electrolysis), so you're not skipping chemicals — you're just adding a corrosive element into the mix. Salt breaks down heaters, pump seals, and stainless fittings over time, and you'll be swapping cartridges every few months instead of rinsing a filter once a year. More cost, more maintenance, shorter component life.

Have more questions? Give us a call or email us at office@thespaman.com — we're happy to walk through what makes sense for your space.

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