The best Hot Tubs in the world are I believe engineered for strength, durability beauty and of course ease of maintenance. Many others start off with the cheapest way of construction which is full foam and amazingly this includes some of the largest selling brands in the world. Again just because a hot Tub is one of the most sold, it does not, for one moment, mean that they are the best.

Most spas always look great in the showroom under the spotlights but it is of course essential to ask the very important question how will the Hot Tub look in a few months or indeed a few years. For this very reason not only do you need to consider the inner workings of the spa or as I would call it the gubbins you need to consider the material that is used for the shell. Many people ignore this at their peril.

Probably the best Hot Tub Jacuzzi spas in the world are made with a patented four layer strengthening process called Dura-Bond ™. This exclusive system combines the acknowledged beauty of Lucite-Xtra ™ Acrylic with a layer of ABS for shell strength and integrity. Then the maker of probably the best spas in the world adds a layer of a double reinforcing material called Dura-Bond ™. This high density material is re-inforced with a fibrous chop material that adds very considerable additional strength to the Spa Shell. The process is completed with a thick layer of polyurethane foam.

Lucite-Xtra ™ cast acrylic is a non porous material that resists stains like the build up of lotions and body oils which can ruin non- acrylic spas. This tough material keeps it shine and colour despite the use of sanitizing chemicals , high temperatures and exposure to sunlight. Its durable surface resists chipping, cracking an denting. Lucite-Xtra ™ is easily maintained with a sponge and mild soap. No additional polishing or waxing is needed to keep its lustrous appearance.

One large maker of Spas has made a practice of selling cheap-to-make spas in an expensive presentation package, but the end user needs to know that they are made with an inferior shell material. This company fully foams their spas as structural support for the thinner and porous shell material (thus creating a service nightmare if there ever should be a leak somewhere). I have heard it said that they fully foam to ensure that all the pipes are covered so as to keep the noise down - have you ever heard of such a stupid statement - what noise – it has to be a very badly designed and cheaply designed spa if they have to do that – the truth is that they start with the cheapest way to make a spa as they don't use a quality acrylic like Lucite ™ and you ask yourself the question as to why not – its simple – Lucite ™ costs 4 times as much as what they use.

They also openly vent their cabinets which may lead to bug and rodent infestation that nestle inside the blown in insulation, and also by venting the cabinets they of course lose costly heat.

You can check the quality of these Hot Tub Shells by applying the lipstick test. Because Enderol and other similar low cost surfaces are actually porous (a great place for bacteria to manifest itself), they are also less resistant to staining which is why you would see a tile line around some of their spas. If you apply lipstick, they will have a hard time getting that off. On high grade Acrylic, since it is non-porous, it will simply wipe right off.

Heat produced in probably the best spa in world is not vented away it is kept and re-used. As water moves through the lines and pipes towards the Jets air is drawn in which is known as the venturi effect. This air is taken from the pocket created by the Thermal Barrier insulation system. Warm air is re-cycled through the spas water lines and dispersed back into the spa to maintain the water temperature considerably saving energy and money.

Probably the best spa in the world has a weather guard cabinet that provides a thermal insulation barrier so as to maximize the retention of heat in the spa. These cabinets are constructed from the finest cellular vinyl PVC and is some 214% more rigid than wood and 62% more energy efficient than wood. It will not split, crack, peel or blister. At the same time it is Insect proof, moisture proof, fade resistant and of course totally maintenance free.

When looking at a Hot Tub remember the old adage that every thing that glitters is not gold like wise with a Hot Tub Jacuzzi. Always be prepared to probe a little beneath the wrapping and presentation and don't accept what is clearly the staid patter of a salesman and from someone who has no passion for their products.