You’ve done the dreaming, and the research—now it’s time to find the hot tub you’ve been dreaming of. You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, so why should a hot tub be any different? The good news is, you can absolutely try before you buy! By scheduling a private test soak you can experience first-hand how a hot tub feels, how the jets work, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

Read on the learn everything you need to know about hot tub test soaks, including how to prepare and what to consider while trying out different models.

What is a Hot Tub Test Soak?

Just like taking a car for a test drive, a test soak is your chance to experience a hot tub in person before committing to any purchase. You’ll get to talk with our experts, discover exciting features, ask questions, and privately experience what it might be like to own the hot tub of your dreams.

What to Bring to a Hot Tub Test Soak

The hot tub test soak room at Creative Energy's Concord showroom

At Creative Energy, our test soaks are completely private, but our friendly staff will always be available to answer any questions you may have. 

Before arriving at one of our award-winning Bay Area showrooms for your test, be sure to bring: 

  • A swimsuit under your clothes or one to change into 
  • Your family, friends, or anyone else who will be using the hot tub
  • Any questions or considerations you’d like to discuss with our staff

6 Things to Consider During a Hot Tub Test Soak

A test soak is a fun and relaxing way to see which hot tub model is right for you. Below are some important things to consider during your test soak to help you get the most out of this exciting experience.

1. Space and Seating

A family of four plays a game with an inflatable ball outdoors in a HotSpot hot tub.

One of the first things to consider while testing a hot tub is how much room you will need. This is why it’s a good idea to bring others along to make sure there is adequate space and seating for everyone who will be using it. Your ideal hot tub should have plenty of room for everyone to relax comfortably without feeling cramped or crowded. 

You will also want to consider the depth and shape of the seats. Many hot tubs have multi-level seating, so during your soak, you may want to try each one to ensure there is a comfortable option for you.

2. Hot Tub Size and Dimensions 

Whether you’re putting your hot tub indoors or outdoors, it needs to fit in the place you have in mind. A test soak allows you to see different hot tubs in person and get a better sense of their dimensions. 

Consider taking measurements of your space before arriving at your test soak, so you can focus on models that align with your requirements and clearly visualize how well they will work in your space. 

3. Massage Jet Power and Placement

A close up shot of the massage jets inside a Highlife Envoy hot tub

Hydrotherapy jets are some of the most important components of a relaxing hot tub soak. During your test, pay special attention to the power and placement of the jets. Think about the muscle groups you’d like them to target, experiment with settings, and try to identify which jet setup provides the best relief for you. 

4. Hot Tub Noise

The noise a hot tub makes while operating is an important consideration because it may impact how relaxing your future soaks will be. Many find the low hum of a running hot tub relaxing, but some hot tub models produce different sounds than others. A test soak is a great opportunity to discover which sounds you prefer and which ones you don’t—something you can only really understand in person. 

5. Water Treatment Options

A woman standing outside of a hot tub, leaning inside to touch the water

Test soaks are a great opportunity to learn which water treatment methods you prefer. While some don’t mind the smell of chlorine and other water care chemicals, others prefer the gentler, more natural feel of the FreshWater Salt System or silver ion sanitizers

During your test soak, you can experience these water care options in person. Consider asking what methods are being used in the models you’re testing to better understand your water care preferences.

Schedule a Free Hot Tub Test Soak at a Creative Energy Showroom Near You

A test soak is an exciting opportunity to try a hot tub before buying it. By keeping the above considerations in mind during your test soak, you can maximize the experience and move one step closer to finding the hot tub of your dreams. 

Creative Energy has been a premium retailer of hot tubs, swim spas, and fireplaces for decades. Our friendly team of experts will guide you through the buying process from start to finish to help you find the perfect hot tub for your lifestyle and budget. 

Ready to try your dream hot tub in person? Schedule a free private test soak at one of our award-winning showrooms in San Rafael, San Mateo, and Concord.

Get Full-Service Delivery and Installation from Creative Energy 

Four crew members unloading hot tub from flat bed truck.

At Creative Energy, we provide white glove delivery and installation. Your Swim Spa or Hot Tub will be fully installed and set up, with no mess left behind.