WHICH IS THE BEST HOT TUB BRAND? PART 7: RESEARCH

This section is for you if you are detail-oriented and like to know how things are put together. At first glance, different hot tub brands share similar construction methods. But there are subtle differences, some of which are very important. These are the seven building blocks of a hot tub:

1. Frame: This is the support structure of the hot tub. It bears the heavy weight of water, people, and internal hot tub systems. During shipping and installation, the frame helps to maintain the structural integrity of the spa and prevent "racking." A variety of materials may be used, such as metal, plastic, or wood. Some brands offer engineered plastic frames and proclaim that "wood is outdated technology." But this ignores the fact that new homes are a wood-supported structure, not a plastic one. Marquis frames are crafted from sustainably-harvested Hem-Fir and cedar, offering the perfect balance of structural integrity, durability, and strength-to-weight ratio.

2. Interior: This is the tub or "shell" of a hot tub and holds the water and people. Made from acrylic, a durable blend of plastic and resin, the interior is vacuum molded for comfort and visual appeal and is available in a variety of colors. Marquis uses DuraShell™, a high-impact acrylic reinforced with webbed layers of hand-rolled fiberglass resin matrix. Hand-rolling removes air pockets to ensure sufficient thickness and consistently, and is another example of Marquis' attention to detail.

3. Exterior: This is the outer cabinet of a hot tub. It conceals and protects the plumbing, electrical system, and insulation from sunlight and weather damage. Typically, you can select from several color options. Hot tub exteriors are available in a range of materials, from durable ABS plastic to high-end panels of tongue-and-groove extruded synthetic polymer. Marquis Signature Series are the only hot tubs on the market to offer a special blend of extruded synthetic polymer called DuraWood™.

4. Plumbing system: This is the water-delivery system of a hot tub. It connects the water pump(s) to the massage jets, and may also direct water through an in-line sanitation system and ozonator. All Marquis plumbing systems are optimized to reduce turbulence, achieving a higher rate of water flow with less system noise. In the event that a primary pump ever needs to be serviced, Marquis hot tubs feature a "slice valve" between the primary pump and plumbing system to allow service without draining the tub.

• Does "less plumbing" equal better flow? Some hot tub brands say "less plumbing is better" and offer expensive jet pack modules with additional plumbing molded inside. They promote the idea of swapping large jet pack modules from one seat to another. But what they don't tell you is that these modules use an integrated gasket. When the gasket wears out, the entire jet pack will need to be replaced at considerable expense. Next, water inside of the jet pack is forced to change direction multiple times within a short distance. This introduces turbulence, undermines the intensity of muscle penetration and adds more noise. Lastly, when the jet pack modules are not in use, many gallons of water are trapped inside. Without proper circulation, jet pack modules are prone to a slimy bacterial growth called "biofilm." They also require more maintenance by regularly removing the jet packs to clean behind them.

• The best hot tub plumbing systems achieve "high-flow, low pressure." In other words, water flow from the pump(s) to the jets is optimized to achieve the highest flow rate possible, while maintaining a low-pressure system. This creates a feeling of deep muscle penetration without skin discomfort. The best of the best are the Marquis Vector21 Series V-O-L-T™ system and the Signature Series H.O.T. Zones™.

5. Electrical system: This provides electricity to the pumps, heating, control system, lighting, audio, and filtration system. Depending on the hot tub model, the electrical system may power one, two or three pumps. Some single-pump models may be "plug-and-play," meaning they can be plugged into a standard 120V outlet at 15 or 30 amps in North America. Upgraded single pump or multiple-pump systems require a 240V outlet at 30 or 50 amps. The Marquis Signature Series offers an MQTouch color touch screen topside control.

6. Filtration system: This filters the water and removes debris and other contaminants. Depending on the hot tub model, it may use one or two filter cartridges. Marquis ConstantClean with SmartClean is the most efficient filtration system on the market, cleaning more water volume in 2 1/2 hours than other brands do in 24 hours. Learn more.

7. Sanitation system: To prevent the growth of harmful microbes, all hot tubs require some form of sanitation. This may be accomplished by adding sanitizer manually several times a week or utilizing a cartridge-based automated in-line sanitation system. In-line sanitation offers two main benefits: 1) added convenience, and 2) a lower concentration of sanitizer chemicals in the water than tablets or granules. 

When it comes to buying a hot tub, of course color and style are important, but the construction and inner workings should have a high priority in your decision making.