Buying a spa pool is one of those decisions that's easy to get wrong if you rush it. This checklist covers the 5 decisions that matter most — before you spend a cent.

1. What Size Do You Actually Need?

Bigger isn't always better — but undersizing is a common regret. Count your household and add 2 for occasional guests. A 5-person spa pool seats 3–4 adults comfortably with room to move. For families of 5–7, look at 6–9 person models.

See our size guide: Compare Spa Sizes

2. Plug & Play or Hardwired?

Plug & Play connects to a standard power point — no electrician, easy setup, lower jet power. Hardwired (240V/32A) requires an electrician ($300–$600) but delivers noticeably more jet performance, faster heating, and premium features like WiFi and Bluetooth. If you plan to use your spa 4–5 nights per week, hardwired is worth the cost.

Our most popular hardwired model: Capri Spa — $9,590 with WiFi & Bluetooth

3. Full-Foam or Partial-Foam Insulation?

This single factor determines running costs more than anything else. Full-foam insulation (injected throughout the cabinet wall) reduces heat loss by up to 40% compared to partial-foam. In Melbourne, full-foam saves $400–$800/year. All Spas Wholesale models include full-foam as standard.

4. What Warranty Are You Actually Getting?

Always ask: what does the structural warranty cover, and for how long? Industry standard is 5–10 years. Spas Wholesale offers an industry-leading life-time structural warranty — the strongest coverage available in Australia — covering the shell and cabinet structure. Component warranties (jets, pumps) are separate.

5. Warehouse-Direct vs Retail Showroom?

The same spa pool specification costs 30–50% more through a retail showroom. Showroom overhead is built into the retail price. Spas Wholesale stocks products across 6 Australian warehouses and sells without the middleman, passing genuine savings directly to you.

Full comparison: Warehouse-Direct vs Retail Spa Dealers