You buy a product and realize that a) you don’t like it; or b) it’s not what you thought it was.

Welcome to the world of buying, where this scenario happens everyday.

This is why it’s critical that you ask questions when you’re working with any spa dealers. Whether they’re in Michigan or South Carolina, you need to speak up. That way, by the time your spa or hot tub is ready to go, you’ll be 100% satisfied!

What questions should you ask? Try these ten as starters (and feel free to add more, of course!)

1. What size spa should I purchase?

Many people don’t measure their spaces until it’s too late. Then, they often discover that their spas either take up too much or too little space. Make sure you ask your spa dealer how much room you’ll ideally need, not only for your spa but for the area surrounding the spa.

2. What are my different spa choices?

Spas aren’t just big tubs, and many of them have unique shapes and attributes. Thus, you and your spa dealer should sit down and check out the many different makes and models available today.

3. How can I keep my family safe while using my spa?

A reputable spa dealer will be able to give you advice as to how to keep your family (especially kids) safe while you enjoy your spa. If your spa dealer doesn’t know the answer to this question, he or she should at least be willing to find a reply for you.

4. What daily, weekly, monthly and/or annual maintenance can I expect to make on my spa?

A spa isn’t the type of purchase that simply maintains itself. Unlike a piece of furniture, it needs to be actively cleaned, sanitized and protected by you, the owner, and possibly a third-party as well. Therefore, before you invest in a spa, you need to know upfront the kind of maintenance schedule for which you’ll need to budget.

5. How long will this spa last?

Most spas come with guarantees, but that isn’t what this question asks. Instead, this question is to give you an idea of how long you can expect to be able to enjoy your spa if a) all maintenance is performed and b) no unforeseen accidents (natural or manmade) occur.

6.  Can pets enjoy the spa?

Believe it or not, many pet owners allow their furry friends to take a dip in the spa with them, only to find out later that it’s a bad idea for either the pet or the spa. Make sure you ask the parameters of who should be in the spa… and if you discover that pet hairs are likely to ruin the internal mechanisms, it may be necessary to ask Fido to stay outside the spa.

7. What kind of product can I use to clean this spa?

Some spas can only be cleaned with special products, so be certain to ask before you take a cleanser to the interior or exterior. That way, your spa will remain great today, tomorrow and well into the future!

For more information, visit MidwestPoolsUSA.