What are my choices in selecting a hot tub or spa?
Decide if you want a take-anywhere type lightweight portable spa, or a full-size spa for the family. Full-size spas are by far the most popular today due to the wide selection, ease of installation and low maintenance. Spas may also be built into the ground, but in-ground spas usually are lacking in features. In areas of the country where freezing is not a factor, these installations are not uncommon. The portable spa, which most often consists of a shell with a wooden skirt, usually sits atop a deck or on a concrete slab. These units have the advantage of built-in pumps and electrical systems, so set-up is a snap.