Seniors considering a hot tub purchase need a variety of information. Knowing the multiple benefits of hot tubs for seniors often helps with purchase considerations.
Learn how to determine the right size and best style, along with details such as choosing an appropriate location. Understand how to purchase the best hot tub for you, not the one a pushy salesperson wants you to purchase. Discover how accessories potentially fit into your hot tub purchase.
Learning about maintenance, parts and repairs are important aspects of understanding costs associated with a hot tub purchase for seniors. Safety is a crucial factor in hot tub considerations.
Hot Tubs for Seniors – Benefits
There are multiple benefits associated with hot tubs. Several sources tout the benefits of hot tubs for seniors, including:
- Back pain relief
- Arthritis pain relief
- Soothes body aches and pains
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Provides stress relief
- Improves restful sleep
When seniors experience back pain, the pain possibly leads to reduced mobility and other issues. This is true whether your back pain is due to age-related spinal degeneration, arthritis, sciatica, osteoporosis, or another cause.
One way that seniors potentially find relief from back pain is by enjoying a hot tub. LIVESTRONG cites information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, indicating that heat, “Alters the sensation of pain.” Hot tubs deliver heat to large areas of the body such as your back, providing possible relief of back pain.
Seniors with arthritis potentially benefit from a hot tub. Several sources cite information from The Arthritis Foundation, indicating that regular hot tub sessions help keep your joints moving, while increasing strength and flexibility. Another benefit is that hot tubs help prevent further joint damage.
Doing too much or too little possibly affects muscles and joints, producing pain and stiffness. A Clinical Advisor article lists hot tubs as one of the treatments that “…Help with sore or achy muscles.”
Lowering your blood pressure is another known benefit of hot tubs.
The NIH published results of a study where researchers concluded that after just 10 minutes in a hot tub, their study participants with hypertension, ranging from 46 to 83 years-old experienced significantly lower blood pressure readings.
Seniors experiencing stress sometimes find relief from the soothing benefits of their hot tub. Do you experience problems falling asleep or staying asleep? Discover the benefits that hot tubs have in providing restful sleep, allowing seniors the benefit of waking up feeling refreshed the next morning.
Some seniors enjoy benefits of the hot tub jets when exercising in their hot tub. As with any exercise program, consult your doctor before exercising in your hot tub.
Types of Hot Tubs
Any of these can be used as hot tubs for Seniors.
Seniors cannot simply run to the nearest hot tub dealer and purchase any hot tub. You have to know which type of hot tub is best for you based on your needs, desired features and planned location.
Outdoor Hot Tubs
An outdoor hot tub is likely an ideal option for many seniors. Make sure there is enough space so that the hot tub sits on a completely flat surface, preferably a concrete slab.
Consider privacy concerns when planning the location. Do you want your neighbors peering out their window while you enjoy your hot tub?
Size matters when considering a hot tub purchase. Is the hot tub just for you or you and your spouse? Will you invite grown children, grandchildren or others to enjoy your hot tub? Mention the number of people using the hot tub when making your purchase.
You need a safe walkway to your hot tub. Seniors often locate their hot tub close to their house, particularly if living in a colder area. When the weather changes, you do not want to have a long walk to your hot tub.
Check your local codes and regulations regarding outdoor hot tubs. Some areas require specific permits or have regulations regarding location and other matters related to hot tubs.
Indoor Hot Tubs
Seniors looking for added privacy sometimes prefer an indoor hot tub. Other reasons for considering an indoor hot tub include having 24-hour access and enjoying the hot tub indoors during inclement weather.
Some of the same considerations that apply to outdoor hot tubs also apply to indoor hot tubs. Consider how many people will use it, space availability and ventilation.
Proper ventilation prevents mold and other potentially serious issues.
You also have to allow for proper drainage. Make sure you have non-slip flooring in the indoor hot tub area.
Inflatable and Portable Hot Tubs
Perhaps you do not want a permanent outdoor or indoor hot tub taking up space at your home. Maybe you want to take advantage of the benefits of an inflatable or portable hot tub.
Inflatable hot tubs offer more flexibility for seniors that like to travel or that wants the option of relocating their hot tub to another place in the yard. Take the hot tub along when you travel or plan an extended vacation.
The health and safety of having your own inflatable hot tub likely lowers your risk of contracting waterborne illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in three waterborne illnesses between 2000 and 2014 occurred at hotel pools and hot tubs. Some parasites and bacteria potentially survive even in well-maintained hotel hot tubs and pools.
Remember that you have to inflate, fill, drain, deflate and move your portable hot tub. Make sure you or someone with you has capability of performing these tasks.
Wood-Fired Hot Tubs
Owning a wood-fired hot tub is another potential option for seniors. The design simplicity and features likely appeals to some seniors. A wood-fired hot tub offers the benefits of having a hot tub without electricity.
Do your part in “Going green” with a wood-fired hot tub. You avoid chemical sanitation products and burning fossil fuels. Today’s models are more energy efficient than previous styles of wood-fired hot tubs.
Seniors that delight in having a project sometimes consider building their own wood-fired hot tub. Make sure you have the ability to take on such a large project. You likely have experience with discovering that step-by-step instructions are often not as easy as they initially seemed before taking on a project.
Some wood-fired hot tubs do come assembled. Tread carefully before considering the purchase of a wood-fired hot tub from an individual online seller.
Hot Tub Costs
Hot tub costs vary according to several factors. There are costs beyond your initial purchase.
The initial hot tub purchase is the largest cost. Decide whether you need a two person, a four person or six person hot tub. Add in specific optional features that you request and you add on to the initial cost. The initial cost also varies from one manufacturer to the next and among various dealers or retailers.
Seniors purchasing a two-person hot tub gets the basic seating arrangement and several jets. Purchase a four-person hot tub and enjoy extra seating, larger capacity and increased space for relaxation. Expect to spend up to a few thousand dollars more for a four-person hot tub or one that seats six people.
Never let salespersons talk you into something you do not want or need.
Initial costs extend beyond seniors simply purchasing a hot tub. Potential add-on costs include any yard excavation, electrical and plumbing installation.
Maintenance Costs
Maintenance is a required aspect of owning a hot tub. Consider the ongoing upkeep and maintenance costs before buying a hot tub.
While some hot tubs require one filter, other models require several filters. Hot tub chemicals are a necessity for balancing and sanitizing the water. Other ongoing costs include the electricity and water usage associated with enjoying your hot tub.
Always follow regular cleaning, testing and maintenance instructions received when you make your hot tub purchase.
Repair & Part Costs
Parts and repairs add to the upkeep of a hot tub. Consider that you likely incur these costs at some point. Keep your hot tub well maintained at all times and avoid costs associated with frequent repairs and new parts.
Accessory Costs
Accessories add on to the cost of a hot tub. Make sure you have sturdy steps for your hot tub for easy access and safety. Safety is crucial for you and any guests.
Always keep a cover over your hot tub when not in use. Avoid potential safety issues when you purchase a cover for your hot tub. A cover helps keep out dirt, debris, bacteria and other contaminants.
Hot Tubs for Seniors – Considerations.
Purchasing a hot tub is likely a major decision. There are undeniable health benefits and enjoyment for seniors that own a hot tub.
Buy a hot tub that fits your specific needs, whether an indoor or outdoor hot tub, a portable or wood-fired style. Remember that a larger hot tub and any customizable features add to initial cost. Do not forget that there are maintenance, upkeep, electrical and water costs.
Always maintain water temperature at a safe level. Follow all other instructions and safety guidelines to experience many years of enjoyment as a hot tub owner.