Choosing a spa isn't really one decision — it's about seven decisions stacked on top of each other. Get them in the right order and the model almost picks itself. This guide walks through them the way we'd walk a customer through them in our showroom, starting with how you'll actually use the spa and ending with the practical stuff like warranty and finance.
Start with the right question
Most people start their spa search at the wrong end. They look at jet counts, lounger photos and trim levels before they've asked the question that decides everything: how am I actually going to use this spa?
A spa that's perfect for a couple decompressing after work is the wrong spa for a family of five with grandkids visiting on weekends. A spa built around deep hydrotherapy for a sore back is a different spa to one built for entertaining mates after a long shift. Be honest about your most likely use case — not your dream one — and the shortlist narrows fast.
Step 1: Decide what you really want from it
Pick the one or two reasons that matter most:
- Hydrotherapy and recovery — sore back, shoulders, knees, sports recovery. You want strong, targeted jets and a lounger.
- Family use — kids, partners, a backyard hangout. You want seats that suit a range of heights and good in-spa visibility.
- Entertaining — friends over, drinks, music. You want generous seating and probably a sound system or lighting.
- Wellness routine — daily soaks, sleep support, screen-free downtime. You want a spa that's effortless to lift the cover on and slip into.
- Year-round swimming — that's a swim spa decision, not a spa decision. Different category, different bracket — see our swim spa range.
If two reasons tie for first, that's fine. Just be honest if "entertaining" is more an aspiration than a regular event — most spas are used by 2–3 people, 3–4 times a week. Buy the spa that fits your real life.
Step 2: Work out how many seats you actually need
Bigger isn't always better. A bigger spa costs more upfront, takes more water and chemistry, takes more energy to heat, and needs more space. On the other hand, undersizing leads to compromise on jets and ergonomics.
A good rule of thumb:
- 2 in the spa most of the time: a 2–4 person spa is plenty.
- 2–4 in the spa, with occasional visitors: aim for a 5–6 seater — it gives you a lounger plus room for friends and family.
- Regular gatherings or larger households: go for a 7+ seater. Just plan the running costs and site to match.
And remember: it's about seats that get used, not seats that exist. A 6-seater with one good lounger, one good corner and four "okay" seats often beats a 7-seater where every seat is just average.
Step 3: Walk the site before you fall in love with a model
The cheapest mistake to fix is a measuring tape mistake. Before you commit, check four things at home:
- The footprint of the spa — including the access skirt and cover lifter, not just the tub.
- Access to the site — gate width, side passage, low overhangs, steps. A 2.2m-wide spa can't always be carried through a 90cm gate without crane lift fees.
- Surface underneath — a spa full of water and people weighs several tonnes. You need a flat, load-rated surface (concrete is the most common). If you're starting from scratch, get a quote on a concrete pad early.
- Drainage — every spa drains 1,000–1,800+ litres a few times a year. Where will the water go?
If access is tight or you've got a tricky site, send a few photos to the team when you enquire. We can usually work out delivery and lift options before quoting. See our delivery information for what to expect.
Step 4: Plug-and-play vs hardwired
This is a practical fork in the road, especially for smaller spas:
- Plug-and-play (15 amp): Plugs into a dedicated household outlet. No electrician required. Faster to install but jet power is limited — fine for smaller spas and casual use.
- Hardwired (32A+): Requires a licensed electrician and switchboard capacity. Allows for stronger pumps, multiple jet zones running together, and serious hydrotherapy.
If you want a real hydrotherapy experience or a larger spa, you'll almost certainly want hardwired. If you want simplicity and a smaller model, plug-and-play is hard to beat. Bear in mind that switchboard upgrades can add cost — confirm what you have early.
Step 5: Look past the jet count
"60 jets!" is a great marketing line. It's not a great spec. A 60-jet spa with weak pumps is less satisfying than a 30-jet spa with strong pumps and good zoning. What actually matters:
- Pump power — how many pumps, what horsepower, how they're plumbed.
- Jet placement — neck, shoulders, lower back, lumbar, hips, calves. Look for seats designed around the body, not jets sprinkled randomly.
- Zoned controls — being able to run different jets in different seats. This matters in larger family spas where one person wants deep tissue and the other wants gentle.
- Lounger ergonomics — sit in the lounger if you can. Floaters (people who pop up out of the lounger) are common in cheap spas.
If at all possible, get a wet test or at least sit in the dry tub at a showroom. Our Australian-made spa range is built around a small number of well-engineered seat designs rather than chasing jet count for marketing reasons.
Step 6: Insulation, cover quality and running costs
The cheapest spa to buy is often the most expensive spa to run. Look for:
- Full-foam or perimeter foam insulation (not just a thin reflective wrap)
- Tight, well-sealed covers — and check the cover thickness and density
- Suction-less filtration (more efficient circulation)
- A manufacturer-quoted daily kWh consumption — if they won't share it, that's telling
We've written a dedicated piece on spa running costs in Australia if you want to estimate before buying. The short version: a well-insulated mid-range spa is typically $25–$45/month in electricity. A poorly insulated one can easily be three times that.
Step 7: Compare the warranties properly
A "lifetime warranty" on the shell sounds great until you read the fine print. What you want to look for:
- Shell warranty — the structural body of the spa. Premium AU-made spas often come with up to 7 years.
- Pumps and electrics warranty — typically 5 years on quality units.
- Cabinet warranty — usually shorter, 1–2 years.
- Service coverage — does the warranty include labour or just parts?
- Where the work gets done — local manufacturer support beats "send it back to overseas".
This is one of the strongest arguments for Australian-made — when something goes wrong, your warranty is a phone call away, not a freight company away.
Step 8: Land on a real budget
Plan for the full all-in cost, not just the spa sticker:
- The spa itself
- Delivery (metro vs regional, crane lifts if needed)
- Concrete pad or decking
- Electrical install (much cheaper for plug-and-play)
- Cover lifter, steps and a start-up chemistry kit
For a more detailed breakdown by tier, see our guide on spa costs in Australia. If you want to spread the upfront cost, Just Spas offers Humm90, Afterpay and Zip finance for Australian customers.
Common buying mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Buying too big. The spa you'd use every day is more valuable than the spa you'd entertain in twice a year.
- Buying on jet count alone. Pump power, plumbing and seat design matter more.
- Forgetting about access. Measure your gate and side passage before you fall in love with a model.
- Skipping the cover. A bad cover undoes a great spa. Insist on a quality cover from day one.
- Underestimating install. Concrete and electrical can add real cost. Factor them in early.
- Choosing on price alone. A spa is a 10–15 year purchase. Build quality, warranty and after-sales support matter.
Where to from here
Once you've worked through those steps, you'll usually have a shortlist of 2–3 models. From there, the best next move is to:
- Read the in-depth product pages and the full spec for each.
- Cross-check the warranty terms and what's included.
- Talk to the team. Our spa buying guide covers more on the technical side, and the Just Spas team is happy to walk through your shortlist over the phone.
Frequently asked questions
How long do quality spas last?
A well-built, well-maintained Australian-made spa typically lasts 15–20 years. Cheaper imports often start showing problems in 5–8 years — shell fading, cabinet warping, pumps failing out of warranty.
What size spa do I really need?
For most Australian households the sweet spot is a 5–6 seater. It gives you a lounger plus seats for kids or guests, without the running costs of a larger model. Couples often do well with a 3–4 seater.
Should I get a lounger?
If you're buying primarily for hydrotherapy or recovery, yes — a well-engineered lounger is the most therapeutic seat in the spa. If you're buying for family use, one lounger is usually plenty.
Is an Australian-made spa worth the extra cost?
For most buyers, yes — better insulation for our climate, longer warranties, and local parts and service if something goes wrong years down the line. We're biased, but the long-term ownership story usually wins.
How long does it take from order to delivery?
Standard lead times vary by model and demand, but most Just Spas orders are delivered within 4–10 weeks. Your install site needs to be ready before delivery — concrete cured, electrical pre-wired if hardwired.
Talk to the Just Spas team
If you'd like a hand narrowing the shortlist, the Just Spas team is on the other end of an email or phone call. Browse our Australian-made spa range, our swim spas, our saunas and ice baths, then get in touch with your shortlist. We'll come back with honest advice — including telling you when a cheaper spa would suit you just fine.