Most people spend weeks reading about hot tubs online. Then they walk into a showroom, sit in one for ten seconds, and realize half of what they read doesn’t matter and a few things they never thought about matter a lot.
Bob Dapper has been designing and building hot tubs in Indianapolis since 1981. Here’s the checklist we’d hand you at the door, so your visit to any hot tub showroom (ours or anyone else’s) tells you what you actually need to know.
Before you go: two photos and a tape measure
Take a few photos of the spot where the hot tub will go. Then get rough measurements of the space and of the access path, the route the tub has to travel to get there. Gates, side yards and tight corners all count.
Bring those with you. It lets the showroom team point you to models that fit your space, instead of the ones that just look good on the floor.
If you want a sense of budget first, we publish real hot tub prices, so you can walk in knowing the range.
In the showroom: sit in several, and sit the way you’ll use it
Sit in more than one tub, and in more than one seat in each. Think about who will use it most nights. Two people who want to stretch out need a different layout than a family of five that wants everyone facing each other.
Compare builds side by side if the showroom has them on the floor. And don’t shop by jet count. As Bob puts it in our hot tub buying guide, if someone tries to sell you a hot tub based solely on the number of jets, that’s a red flag. Placement, water volume and pump power matter far more than a big number on a spec sheet.
Six questions to ask before you buy
1. Does it need a computer to run?
It shouldn’t. Temperature, jets and lights don’t need a computer. Computer control panels add to the purchase price and cost more to repair. Bob’s line on this: the only one who benefits from spa computers is the repairman.
2. What kind of pumps does it use?
Two-speed pumps are noisy on low speed, right when you’re trying to relax, and the sound carries into the house. Ask whether the tub has a dedicated circulation pump that runs quietly, separate from the jet pumps.
3. Does the water circulate around the clock?
A system that shuts off circulation between uses needs more chemicals and more of your time. Continuous, 24/7 circulation keeps the water filtered and ready whenever you are.
4. Is the water pushed through the filter, or pulled through it?
Pressure filtration pushes water through the filter. Suction filtration pulls it through, and those filters tend to clog faster and need more frequent cleaning. Ask how the filtration works.
5. If something ever needs service, how easy is it to reach?
Ask what kind of insulation the tub uses. Blown-in foam makes it harder to get to components. Removable insulation gives a technician easy access, which usually means faster, cheaper repairs. While you’re at it, ask whether the parts are standard parts any qualified technician can service.
6. What does the warranty cover, in writing?
Ask for the structural, surface and component coverage separately. Every Royal Spa hot tub carries a 40-year structural warranty. And the second hot tub Royal Spa ever built is still running.
Take your time
A hot tub is a long-term purchase, and a good showroom won’t rush you. A few things our customers have said in their reviews:
“I asked Derrick questions and visited twice in 3 weeks. He truly was patient and took time to make sure we were purchasing just what we wanted.”
Regina Payne, Google review, July 2024
“Stopped at the Pendleton Pike store recently. I have had my Royal Spa for well over 10 years. Todd took the time to teach me a few things I didn’t know. I really appreciate the attention, even though he knew I wasn’t buying a new tub right now.”
Michael Williams, Google review, October 2023
“Professional outfit from showroom to installation. Extremely happy from start to finish. Our new hot tub was installed this morning in the cold and the rain. The entire process was smooth and as promised.”
Brant Upchurch, Google review, January 2024
Questions about delivery timing are worth asking in person too, since timing depends on the model and build you choose. If you already own a hot tub, ask about our trade-in program.
Our three Indianapolis showrooms
Every hot tub on our showroom floors is built at our own plant on the south side of Indianapolis. Each product page shows which showrooms currently have a model in stock.
Factory Showroom (south side)
2041 W Epler Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46217. Southwest corner of Epler Ave and IN 37, a few minutes south of I-465. 317-781-0828.
Mon 9 to 6, Tue to Thu 9 to 7, Fri 9 to 6, Sat 10 to 4, Sun 12 to 4.
The showroom shares the site with our manufacturing plant, and the Parts & Service Center (317-780-2121) is here too.
Avon (west side)
7994 E US 36, Avon, IN 46123. Dan Jones Rd and US 36, across from Lowe’s. 317-268-4947.
Mon and Tue 10 to 7, Wed 11 to 7, Thu 10 to 7, Fri 10 to 6, Sat 10 to 4, Sun 12 to 4.
Pendleton Pike (northeast side)
9820 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN 46236. Just west of Mitthoeffer Rd. 317-895-9778.
Mon and Tue 10 to 7, Wed 11 to 7, Thu 10 to 7, Fri 10 to 6, Sat 10 to 4, Sun 12 to 4.
Not in Indianapolis?
Nationwide: built in Indianapolis, ships anywhere. Call 317-781-0828 and we’ll walk you through the same checklist by phone.
Send us a message or stop by any showroom this week. Bring your photos and your tape measure.
