Hot tubs are becoming an increasingly common sight in Sydney backyards. Global sales skyrocketed during COVID, fuelled by lockdown-era ‘staycations’, and haven’t let up since, as word has spread about the pleasures of on-demand access to warm, bubbling waters.
To many Sydneysiders, the question is no longer “should I get a hot tub?”, but “what hot tub should I get?”
Hot tubs are a surprisingly diverse product group. Machines can vary significantly in terms of size, shape, quality and functionality. As a significant purchase, it’s important that a prospective hot tub owner identifies the machine that suits their needs.
Here’s how to do just that.
Understanding Sydney conditions
A hot tub in Sydney will deal with very different conditions to those encountered in the machine’s historical homes of Scandinavia and cool-climate America. Rather than the cold and the snow, Sydney hot tubs should be built to deal with subtropical heat and humidity.
Mould, mildew and fungus thrive in local conditions, so a Sydney hot tub should feature smooth, easy to clean surfaces that don’t allow organic invaders to gain a foothold in the spa.
Local architecture and landscaping differ to that of Sweden and the US too: the design of a contemporary Dee Why beach house is far removed from a ski chalet in the Rocky Mountains.
While aesthetics are a very personal thing, most Sydney hot tubs have a cleaner, more modern and minimalist look, versus the traditional timber look that is more popular overseas. As an added bonus, modern hot tub materials are also far easier to clean and maintain than wood.
Size, shape and location
When shopping for a hot tub, the most obvious place to start is size. Space is at a premium in Sydney, so the first step is to identify where you plan to place your spa, and to measure the room you have available. Allow for extra room around your hot tub so you can access, clean and maintain it.
Rectangular and triangular hot tubs can help you make the most of limited space. Hot tubs can be placed on decks and balconies, but only if the structure can support the (often significant) weight of a machine filled with water and people – if you’re unsure, consult a structural engineer.
If space isn’t a concern, consider the maximum number of people who might want to use your hot tub at any given time, such as the number of members in your household. If you plan on hosting spa parties, you might consider a large six- or seven-person model.
Quality and functionality
Hot tubs should be viewed as a long-term investment. Paying a little more upfront for a higher quality unit can save you a lot of money in the long run, as the machine is likely to last longer than a cheaper alternative, and will have lower ongoing costs (more on that later).
Quality also goes hand-in-hand with innovation: premium spas will deliver a higher quality soaking experience, so you’ll use it more.
The defining feature of a hot tub is its hydromassage jets. Look for quality over quantity: a handful of precision-engineered jets can deliver a far more luxurious massage experience than a backrest full of generic jets.
You should also consider atmosphere-setting features like interior and exterior lights, water fountains and speaker systems.
Energy efficiency and maintenance
Arguably the most important consideration when shopping for a hot tub in Sydney is efficiency.
Cheaper spas lack quality insulation. Heat continually leaks out of the spa, so the hot tub heater needs to work harder to keep the water at the right temperature. The result: a significant jump in your power bill, which can quickly negate the upfront savings you may have made by choosing a ‘budget-friendly’ machine.
Premium spas feature dense insulation that keeps more heat in, minimising power use. They feature smart water care technologies that use less chlorine and make your water last longer, saving you money on that bill too. Some premium models even test their own water, ensuring that it’s always perfect without you having to lift a finger.
Hot tub or cold tub?
Your hot tub might not seem as tempting in the middle of a hot and humid Sydney summer, which is why many Sydneysiders are choosing backyard spas that are able to cool themselves.
These hot tubs – or perhaps more accurately, cold tubs – use the same technology as a reverse cycle air conditioner: when the temperature is set low, say 15C, a heat pump extracts the warmth from the water, cooling it down to your desired temperature.
A hot tub with a cooling feature can offer a refreshing dip in the middle of a hot summer’s day, and can then be warmed back up for an evening dip.
There’s more to a modern hot tub than first meets the eye. But if you do a bit of research, and take the time to consider what your perfect hot tub looks like, you can be confident of securing a machine that adds luxury, functionality and appeal to your Sydney backyard.