Hot Tub Buyer's Guide

There is lots to consider in selecting the right hot tub for you; your height, the number of people using the hot tub on a regular basis, even down to the style of massage you’re looking for. We’ve built a huge range of hot tubs so we can almost guarantee the right hot tub for you is in there! 

Check our Which Hot Tub? page for everything you might want to consider when picking a hot tub or give the sales team a call on 0115 954 8888 and they will be able to advise on the best options for you.

We would never try to tell you exactly how much your hot tub is likely to cost to run. There are lots of different factors that affect the running costs – regularity of use, ambient temperature, electricity tariff.

You may see claims from some companies of £1 per day, but this is likely being calculated only on the cost of keeping the water hot, without any initial start-up costs or running the jet pumps. In other words, not enjoying the hot tub! This can be misleading as using the hot tub will obviously exceed this and it is impossible to determine the exact cost without knowing how often the hot tub will be used.

Speak to our sales team, where we can have an honest conversation before you purchase to advise more thoroughly.

Firstly, consider the location of your hot tub; if it is located in a cold, exposed area with lots of windchill, it will take more energy to keep the water at the correct temperature than a sheltered warm area.

Keep the hot tub at a set temperature; it may feel more efficient to reduce the water temperature and reheat before use. But if you are using the hot tub regularly, it’s likely to use more energy re-heating the water than keeping it at a steady temperature.

Invest in a Spa Protector; this thick, layered cover adds an additional layer of insulation to the hot tub while offering protection to the hot tub cover.

Choose a hot tub with the right size and specifications for you; for example, a larger hot tub with more water, will inevitably have a higher running cost. But for large families or if you enjoy your hot tub with friends, this is likely outweighed by the enjoyment and entertainment you’ll gain in a larger tub. The Sales Team can advise on tubs with additional insulation and highly efficient jet pumps which can help reduce the energy requirements when the hot tub is in use.

We offer a range of hot tubs with Standard, Enhanced and Triplex insulation along with the insulating lid.

Insulation Included: water resistant polyurethane foam on the acrylic shell making sure the heat stays in your water. Side panels and hot tub base also act as a layer of protection against outside elements.

The insulation included in each hot tub is detailed in its specification. The more insulation, the lower the running cost compared to a hot tub of the same size and with the same use.

We do get asked why we don’t completely fill the inside of the hot tubs with foam insulation. This can reduce heat loss but it means if there is a problem with a part or pump in the future, it’s almost impossible to access and repair it. A simple leak in a jet or pipe-joint can create huge maintenance problems. Our hot tubs are designed to last and be enjoyed for years. Part of that is ensuring access to be maintained and that easy repair after a few years of use doesn’t end with you purchasing a brand new tub.

We have one main showroom in Nottingham, located with easy access from the motorway and with ample free parking. 

No appointments are needed but opening times may vary on weekends and any public holidays so please check our Showroom page for all the details.

Blue Whale Spa is the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of hot tubs, being the only UK company who manages the entire process from design and production to sales, delivery, installation and after sales, with thousands of satisfied customers.

We design the hot tubs in the UK, for the UK market and weather, which are manufactured in our own facilities in China, which allows us scrutiny over every stage in production, sales, installation and maintenance. Extensive testing, including wet testing, is conducted on every hot tub before it leaves China to ensure the quality is maintained.

Your hot tub price already includes an insulating cover, steps and a free filter, so the only essential extra is the chemicals to keep the water hygienic.

We recommend using our Starter Chemical kit as they are designed to protect your hot tub and they include easy to use instructions. Alternatively the Advantage Plus Chemical kit is a really cost effective option. 

We also have a range of Blue Whale Spa Accessories available, from Testing Strips and Filters to Cover Lifter.

For added protection and insulation, we recommend using our thick Blue Whale Spa Spa Protector.

Our hot tubs are designed to be used all year round, with insulation and powerful heaters so they stay hot in colder weather. One of the best times to enjoy a hot tub is a cold crisp evening, the water keeps you warm and makes a fantastic contrast to the cooler air; there’s a reason saunas were invented in Finland.

However, if you do choose not to use your hot tub in winter, follow the instructions in your hot tub manual to shutdown your hot tub or book a hot tub shut down service to ensure you close it down properly without risking damage.