Buying a hot tub should be exciting, not confusing. Yet many firsttime buyers walk into the process focused on the wrong things — horsepower, jet count, gallons, or whatever the last salesperson told them to look for. The truth is simple:

The right hot tub is the one that fits your needs, and the right dealer is the one who supports you long after the sale. 

After more than 40 years in the hot tub industry, here’s what truly matters.

1. Start With What You Want the Hot Tub to Do for You 
Before comparing models, ask yourself:
• Do I need hydrotherapy for pain relief?
• Am I looking for relaxation and stress reduction?
• Do I want quality time with family or a partner?
• What matters most — price, quality, size, seating, performance, or ease of maintenance?

A professional sales associate should help you answer these questions, not overwhelm you with specs.

2. Maintenance Is a Critical Part of Ownership 
Many dealers gloss over maintenance, but it directly affects:
• The lifespan of your pumps and heater
• The clarity and safety of your water
• Your health as a user
Ask these questions before you buy: 
• What’s included in my package? 
• Will you receive everything needed for longterm care, or just “startup chemicals”?
• Will someone teach me how to operate and maintain my hot tub? 
• Or will you be left to figure it out alone?
Proper water balance and sanitation are essential — not optional.

3. The Truth About “Saltwater Hot Tubs” 
Many shoppers ask for a saltwater hot tub without knowing what it means.
In a true saltwater system, salt is converted into chlorine. 
At Aqua Pros, we offer a product made with Dead Sea salt, which:
• Keeps water clearer for longer
• Feels softer and gentler on skin
• Makes maintenance easier
It’s a great option for people who want simple, comfortable water care.

4. Service After the Sale — The Most Overlooked Factor 
Buying a hot tub is a lot like buying a mattress — most firsttime buyers don’t know exactly what they need. That’s why you want a well trained, honest, and unselfish associate who will:
• Ask the right questions
• Learn about your needs
• Guide you to the right model for your lifestyle and budget
Who will service your hot tub? 
This is where many dealers fall short.
• Do they have their own in-house technicians?
• Or do they rely on “local service companies” who may or may not show up?
Aqua Pros has been a hot tub dealer since 1985, and we service:
• What we sell
• And even what we didn’t sell
Most dealers won’t touch brands they didn’t sell. We will — though outside brands aren’t covered by their manufacturer’s labor warranty.

We regularly get calls from people who bought from Hot Tub Blowout Sales and can’t get service from the seller.

5. Warranty & Owner Protection 
A warranty is only as good as the company behind it.
Ask about:
• Warranty length
• What’s covered
• Whether the company will stand behind you after the sale
• Whether the manufacturer is stable and reputable
Be cautious with “consumer direct” manufacturers. Many disappear when you need them most.

Hot Tub Blowout Sales often bring in hiredgun salespeople whose only goal is to close deals. Ask them where they live — it’s rarely local.

Here’s a Lynchburg, VA news report about a homeowner who fell victim to one of these out-of-town companies:
http://www.wset.com/story/24667342/forest-woman-with-unwanted-hot-tub-faces-safety-hazard 

6. Delivery and Setup — Not All “Delivery” Is the Same 
Ask how your hot tub will be delivered:
• Will it be dropped at the end of your driveway?
Or will trained staff place it exactly where you discussed with your sales representative?
Proper placement and setup matter — especially for a major purchase.

7. Dealer Longevity Matters 
Some manufacturers have gone bankrupt or changed names to escape past problems. A dealer with decades of continuous service is far more reliable.

Aqua Pros has been in the pool and hot tub business continuously since 1985 and may be the longestrunning hot tub dealer in Virginia and the MidAtlantic.

Final Thought 

In my 40+ years serving customers in the hot tub industry, my goal has always been the same:

Guide people to the hot tub that truly fits their needs — and support them long after the sale.  Don’t be fooled by a Hot Tub Blowout, choose a proven, local dealer. 

Aqua Pros is the value dealer with inhouse service, real experience, and a commitment to customer care and is the choice for value in hot tubs that are easy to care for, provide maximum performance and comfort, and will last for years to come.

See our American Made Marquis, Nordic, and Hungarian made Wellis hot tubs in our showrooms in Lynchburg, Bedford, and Salem, Virginia.