Hot Tub Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Spa for Your Home

Shopping for your first hot tub? You're asking all the right questions and we're here to help you find real answers. This guide walks you through everything that matters: sizing, seating options, jet types, electrical requirements, energy efficiency, and cost. At American Sale, we've helped Chicagoland families in Naperville, Orland Park, Tinley Park, and beyond find the right spa for decades. We know what you're trying to figure out, and we'll make it simple.

Seating Capacity  

The right question isn't how many people live in your home. It's how many people will typically use the hot tub at the same time. Most families find themselves using 2 to 3 seats at once, even in a larger household. That said, if you're a couple who occasionally hosts friends or family, a 5-person spa will serve you much better than a snug 3-person model.

When in doubt, size up. You'll rarely wish you had less space.

Before you visit a showroom, take a few minutes to measure your deck or patio. Knowing your available footprint will save time and help narrow your options right away.

Lounge vs. Open Seating

One of the first configuration choices you'll encounter is lounge seating versus open seating, and it comes down to how you plan to use your spa most.

Lounge Seating

A lounge seat is a full-length reclined position built for one person. It's designed to immerse your whole body in water, putting jets in contact with your legs, lower back, and shoulders all at once. If hydrotherapy and muscle relief are your main goals, a lounge configuration delivers that full-body experience.

Open Seating

Open (upright) seating keeps everyone in a similar position, facing each other across the tub. It fits more users comfortably and creates a more social, conversational atmosphere, ideal for families or anyone who entertains.

Can't decide? Many models offer a hybrid configuration, typically one lounge seat paired with several upright seats, so you don't have to choose between the two.

Buying tip: If you're primarily unwinding solo or treating chronic muscle tension, lean toward a lounge. If your hot tub will be a gathering spot for the family or friends, open or hybrid seating will keep everyone comfortable.

Number of Jets

More jets doesn't automatically mean a better soak. It's one of the most common misconceptions first-time buyers run into, and it can lead to overpaying for a spa that underdelivers.

What actually matters is jet placement, type, and the pump power behind them. Targeted therapy jets focus pressure on specific muscle groups like your shoulders, neck, lower back, and feet. Pulsating jets deliver rhythmic pressure for a massage-like effect. Rotating jets cover a broader area with a sweeping motion. A well-designed 20-jet spa can genuinely outperform a poorly configured 50-jet model.

When evaluating any hot tub, ask: Where are the jets positioned relative to the seats? Can individual jets be adjusted or turned off? Does the pump have enough power to run all jets at once?

The best way to answer those questions? Come feel it for yourself. Our American Sale team at any of our Chicagoland showrooms can walk you through jet systems in person so you can experience the difference firsthand.

Plug-and-Play vs. 220V Hot Tubs

One of the first practical questions new buyers ask is: do I need an electrician? The answer depends on which type of spa you choose.

Plug-and-play models run on a standard household outlet with no installation required. Standard 220V spas deliver significantly more power and performance, but do require a dedicated circuit installed by a licensed electrician.

Not sure which is right for your home setup? Our American Sale team can walk you through the options and connect you with trusted local electricians if your installation requires electrical work.

Energy Efficiency: What to Look For

A hot tub runs around the clock, which means energy efficiency isn't a bonus feature. It directly affects what you pay every month. The key factors to evaluate are insulation type (full-foam insulation holds heat significantly better than partial foam), cover thickness and seal quality, pump efficiency ratings, and smart topside controls that let you schedule temperature adjustments around your usage.

Monthly operating costs typically range from $20 to $60 depending on the model, your climate, and local utility rates. For homeowners in Chicagoland, where temperatures can swing significantly through the year, choosing a well-insulated spa with a quality cover can keep you comfortably toward the lower end of that range. Ask our American Sale team which models in our current lineup are rated for strong energy efficiency.

How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?

Hot tubs are available across a wide range of price points, and the purchase price is only one part of the picture. Understanding the full cost of ownership upfront helps you budget confidently and avoid surprises down the road.

At American Sale, we carry hot tubs across multiple price points to fit a range of budgets and lifestyles. Our in-store team can help you understand the total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. Flexible financing options are also available; ask in-store for more details.

Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub

Hydrotherapy & Pain Relief: Warm water combined with targeted jet pressure is commonly used to ease muscle tension, joint soreness, and chronic back pain. Many owners use their spa for post-workout recovery or to manage arthritis symptoms. It's one of the most practical reasons people make the investment, and one of the most frequently cited reasons they don't regret it.

Stress Relief & Mental Wellness: There's something about stepping into a hot tub that forces you to slow down. The warmth triggers your body's natural relaxation response, and the ritual of disconnecting from screens, even for 20 minutes, is something many owners across Orland Park, Naperville, and Tinley Park come to rely on as a daily wind-down.

Better Sleep: Soaking 1 to 2 hours before bed raises your core body temperature, and the gradual cool-down afterward signals your body that it's time to sleep. Many hot tub owners report falling asleep faster and sleeping more deeply as a result.

A Space for Family & Friends: Hot tubs have a way of becoming the gathering spot. Date nights, weekend hangouts, catching up with neighbors. The more you use it socially, the more value it delivers. Families across Chicagoland find it's one of the rare places where everyone actually puts their phone down.

Why Buy a Hot Tub from American Sale

• A Chicagoland institution: American Sale has been serving the Chicago area and surrounding communities for decades, helping families across Naperville, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Bridgeview, Carol Stream, Lake Zurich, Romeoville, and Merrillville find the right spa for their home and lifestyle.

• Multiple local showroom locations: With showrooms in Bridgeview, Carol Stream, Lake Zurich, Merrillville, Naperville, Orland Park, Romeoville, and Tinley Park, IL, you can see, sit in, and compare hot tubs side by side before you buy. That's something no online retailer can offer.

• Free test soaks available!: Come in and actually try out our hot tubs before you buy. You can relax, sit in the water, and experience the comfort firsthand to make sure it’s the perfect fit for you.

• A large, in-stock selection: We carry a wide range of models across sizes, seating configurations, and price points. You won't be choosing from a catalog. You'll be choosing from spas you've actually experienced.

• Knowledgeable, no-pressure staff: Our team can walk you through every decision covered in this guide, in person, at your pace, with zero pressure to buy before you're ready.

• Support that doesn't stop at the sale: American Sale stocks chemicals, covers, filters, and replacement parts, so you have a trusted local resource long after your spa is installed.

• Flexible financing available: Worried about upfront cost? Ask in-store or online about financing options that fit your budget.

• Professional delivery and setup: We handle the logistics so your spa arrives and is installed correctly from day one.

Visit an American Sale showroom near you, or browse our full hot tub selection online.

Hot Tub Buying FAQs

What size hot tub should I buy?

Base your decision on how many people will typically use the tub at one time, not how many people are in your household. A couple who occasionally hosts should consider a 4 to 5 seat model rather than a compact 2 to 3 seat spa. When in doubt, size up. Extra space is rarely something buyers regret.

How long do hot tubs last?

A well-maintained hot tub typically lasts 10 to 20 years. The biggest factors are build quality, how frequently it's used, and how consistently it's maintained. Water chemistry, filter cleaning, and cover care all play a role. Premium brands generally have longer lifespans and better warranty coverage.

Are hot tubs expensive to run?

Most hot tubs cost between $20 and $60 per month to operate. Energy-efficient insulation, a quality cover, and smart temperature scheduling can keep your costs toward the lower end of that range. Your local utility rates and climate also factor in.

How many jets do you need in a hot tub?

Jet count alone isn't a reliable measure of quality. Placement, type, and pump power matter far more. A well-designed 20-jet spa can outperform a 60-jet model with poor configuration. When evaluating spas, ask about jet types and positioning, not just the total number.

What temperature should a hot tub be?

Most users find 100°F to 104°F to be the ideal range. The industry-standard maximum safe temperature is 104°F. For longer soaks or use during warmer months, many people prefer a slightly lower setting of 98°F to 100°F.

What should I look for when buying a hot tub?

Focus on seating capacity, jet type and placement, insulation quality, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, warranty terms, and the reputation of the retailer you're buying from. If at all possible, test the spa in person before purchasing. It makes a meaningful difference in the decision.

Are hot tubs worth it?

For most buyers, yes, particularly those who use it consistently. The combination of stress relief, hydrotherapy, improved sleep, and time spent with family or friends adds up to real, everyday value. The key is choosing the right size and feature set for how you actually live.

Can I put a hot tub indoors?

Yes, but it requires proper planning. Indoor installations need adequate ventilation, a floor drain, and structural support to handle the weight of a filled spa. Consult a contractor before committing to an indoor setup. Outdoor placement is more common and typically more straightforward.