Join me in the hot tub for some pinch and roll
I'm considering getting one. Wife is sorta ambivalent. She's not adverse to using the public ones at the resorts we visit, but will absolutely not consider a used one. I've searched all over the web, and read many reviews, mostly conflicting. Whereas someone likes their tub, others rip it apart saying it's junk.
Placement would be outside. I'm considering an open sided porch roof or awning, but that it not finalized. Whatever the situation, I'd like to be able to use it year round. Size required is small, as it would be just me and the wife using it. Sorry, we're too old and stodgy to be swingers. So, questions: Maintenance, is it a pain in the ass? How much does it cost per month? What brands to avoid or seek out? Features that are must haves? Soft tubs, worth it or a pale imitation of a real one? Anything else I might not realize. Feel free to mock, ridicule and flame as desired. |
In my experience, you get one thinking it will be awesome, and then eventually you just stop using it. I have never bought one, but a few of my family members have done so. Ive heard the same story from them, it just loses its appeal eventually.
Thats all Ive got. |
I pretty much had a hot tub at every place I lived growing up. Including where I live now (you can see pics of the monstrosity in my build thread. Seats around 15 people :party: )
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1055767)
So, questions:
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1055767)
Maintenance, is it a pain in the ass?
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1055767)
How much does it cost per month?
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1055767)
What brands to avoid or seek out?
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1055767)
Features that are must haves?
Also, 4-5 filter cleaning system is a MUST. The more, the better. Make sure you keep a chart/calender of your water balance dates and your filter cleaning dates. Stick too it. It's just like car maintenance. The last time I had a small spa UV cleaning systems were very new. So, I'm not sure on how well the new ones work using a dominate UV system over filters. My giant spa has a small UV system and it's been fine for the last 6 years. But that's all I can say on them.
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1055767)
Soft tubs, worth it or a pale imitation of a real one?
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1055767)
Anything else I might not realize. Feel free to mock, ridicule and flame as desired.
Hot tubs are absolutely great. Make sure it is NOT an impulse buy and make sure you are ready for the monthly tasks of water balance and system cleaning. It's rewarding work as having a hot tub is wonderful. I get off work in downtown Key West at 1am, drive 25 miles home and sit in the hot tub looking at the stars. If it wasn't for that every night I would probably be dead, or worse, N/A. |
I have no real helpful information, other than to do it! We had a hot tub when I was growing up, and I miss the shit out of that thing. If I had one today, I'd probably spend an hour in there nightly to relieve aches and pains.
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Well... I didn't have to research for my tub as it came with the house, but it's amazing. It's a Sundance Maxxus Hot Tub Spa - Experience the Maxxus Difference
and had I known how much it was, I personally wouldn't have bought it ($12500). Keeping clean is simple - just check Bromine and pH levels once a week, throw in some tablets or soda if needed and on't let the kids piss in it. I love the wireless remote to control everything, including the sound system. However, mine is an '06 model - so I'm sure there's some cool wireless/bluetooth upgrades on their current lines. *edit to add* Access the playlists on your mobile device with the Bluetooth® audio Auxiliary 3.5 mm input jack for MP3 players USB power for your mobile device FM Radio Marine Grade Speakers Sub-woofer for deep bass (select models) 6” speaker subwoofers powered by JBL® Adjacent to pillow for surround sound effect Waterproof, JBL Quality |
Full_Tilt_Boogie, rthat is what I'm afraid of. Hence, asking people that actually own them.
viperormiata, thanks for that. Lots of info to digest. I just got off the phone with a friend who has one. Top of the line Thermospa, all the options, etc. He's had it for almost 15 years. Being a scientist, he researched the hell out of it, so was able to answer a lot of questions. Unfortunately for me, most was at the high end, so out of my price range. So, more research. Requested a couple of brochures, some price sheets, etc. We'll see what the wife thinks. |
Cant you just buy a nice shower tub with jets and shit and install it in ur shower? 2x on the hot tub getting old and eventually a year or two from now collecting bird shit.
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Actually, that is also being considered. As the downstairs bath is in the middle of a major remodeling, it's certainly an option.
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poor ROI.
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About 10 years ago, my parents picked up a large ~10 person used hot tub shell for free. We built a deck around it and did all the plumbing with external pump, filter, and heater. It was probably 10 years old when we got it.
They're on the lazy side in terms of proper maintenance. They've never tested the water, just made sure the bromine dispenser has tabs in it. In 10 years, they're on the third cover, second heater, and second pump motor. They use it once a week at minimum. |
Just got back from 4 hours of talking to salesmen, sitting in empty tubs, comparing models and looking at every available option.
Holy shit, there are a lot of different models. This one has more jets, but that one has jets that spin. This one has a lighted waterfall, and that one has a foot massager. Bucket, bench or lounge seating. There's a bewildering array of different combinations (any of which make a different model) of jets, lights, seating, size, color and price. Many of the features are patently retarded. Neck pillows that are marginally softer then the surrounding acrylic. Can you really tell the difference between very hard and mostly hard with your neck? $1000 for a built in Sony stereo? I can get a better and cheaper boombox from BestBuy. Soft tubs, while cool, offer not much better pricing that a "real" hot tub. And no seats, which was a real turnoff for both me and the wife. Added to limited jets (4-6 per tub), limited heating and shorter depths meant we weren't impressed. Maybe if they weren't 90% of the price of a full size one. Found one we really liked at the first place. Acrylic, round, nice balance of size, features and price. Went to the next place and were blown away because prices were significantly lower. Poly liners instead of acrylic, but easily $1000 less across the board. Almost pulled the trigger, but there is at least one more place in town to check out. More questions: Heaters. Most are stainless. Some review mentioned titanium, but I couldn't find any mention of that. Maybe only on higher end models? Ozone systems. First place it was built in. Second place said we can put one in, but why bother. Anyone know anything about them? Do they significantly reduce chemical usage? I'm not gonna drink the water, just soak my fat ass in it. Almost all the tubs are dual voltage, meaning they can run on 110 or 220. 110V means heater or jets, not both. 220V means both at once. I have also heard that 220V is more efficient. Any truth to that? I can run the 110V line myself. 220V I need a building permit and inspection. Well, technically I do for the 110V line as well, but I can get away with not having it. Worth the hassle of getting it done? |
Hmm that is weird. Maybe not in the same plug but i dont see what the problem would be for double 110s. Perhaps each pulls 20 some amps?
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Doctors can write a prescription for a hot tub and you won't have to pay sales tax on it.
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Really? Just how do you get that qualification?
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Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1056190)
Really? Just how do you get that qualification?
:brain: |
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1056190)
Really? Just how do you get that qualification?
When I was auditing sales taxes I ran into it on several audits with hot tubs and mattresses. When you're spending several thousand it'll save you a few hundred in taxes. |
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huh... wonder if that's why my back isn't hurting today after moving all this flag stone.. it sure was when doing it.
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Thanks for the hint. I'll try it, as I have a Dr. appt. coming up anyway.
Bought the GFCI & box online tonight. Will hit the electrical supply place later in the week. Wife says I need to get the electric in first, to avoid unfinished projects. I'll pretend it all has the proper inspections, too. Oh, and nice title change. The first one was kinda lame. |
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