Hot Tub Experiences?

[ScottyChip]

I have my QCA Star Gazer (San Juan in Canada) 30 jet hot tub now for 3 months and its great. Its a little bigger than you are looking at about 6' square and meant for 5 people, fits 3 more comfortably. It came prewired with a 115V,GFCI plug but is convertible to 220V hardwired. I haven't really noticed a huge increase in power bill, probably around $40-50, we keep it heated to 102 F all the time and the single 1.5 HP pump 2 speed pump comes on throughout the day to maintain water temperature. Bought mainly for the wife because of her arthritis, which she finds great, but we both enjoy it.
I do not have years of experience with tubs, but right now this one works for us. It was not the most expensive tub, and until we were sure it was what we wanted did not want to tie up a lot of money. It does get cold here and we will probably just shut the tub down for the winter. We are looking at an enclosure for next spring something to keep the snow away and break the wind. I know it takes the fun away from having a tub, but it ain't no fun standing in the snow trying to dry off exposed to nature.
I have heard that Artic Spas get a great name and you can get them on a reinforced base so you don't need a specially built wood or concrete deck just level ground.
I am sure which ever route you go if it last longer then the warranty period then you have got your monies worth. Enjoy.

 

[buickanddeere]

An 8 person hot tub hold four people comfortable. Something like a six person tent holds three people. Fathers cringe when the the daughter fills the hot tub with girls. It's a water, filter, a tub scrub down and chemical change to get rid of the hair gell, makeup, fake tan and skin lotion.

 

[dmccarty]

We looked at this company in Raleigh, Spas, Saunas & Pool Tables Raleigh & Wilmington | Hot Tubs NC, when we were looking for tubs when we were building our house. We liked their products but for what we needed we could get the tubs from HD cheaper and easier. We had a package discount with HD that helped out money wise. Anyway, we liked what we saw at the company back then and I see they have a store down in Wilmington.

I know when we were talking with them they said they made at least some of their own tubs/spas but this was over 10 years ago. They seem to carry a bunch of different brands and they have been in business for decades so they are not a fly by night operation.

Might be worth a look.

Later,
Dan

 

[newbury]

Hot Tub Experiences

Wow! the topic of this thread is a little disappointing to say the least.

Charlie

We are an aging population.

Drew - We got a 6 person square one that came with the retirement home. For me it's been a waste. We've only used it about 3 times since 2012. I've spent more time cleaning it out than relaxing in it. By the time I get done getting dirty and then shower so I can get in it clean to relax in it there is not much time left in the day.

But then I don't think I've taken a "bath" in fifteen or so years. I prefer a quick shower.

 

[caver]

+1 on finding a used one on Craigslist. They are like slate pool tables, people will almost give them away if you move them. I got a two person 110V and it's perfect. It's a Solana which is made by Hotsprings. Most of them I assume will cycle on for about an hour, twice a day. Then if there is a heat demand they will also kick on. I just drain mine in the spring when the freezing temps end. I've got mine outside on a back screened in deck. Nothing like a cold beer, bitter cold nightwith snow flurries and sitting in the tub.

 

[ustmd]

We put in a Dimension One 6 person (which means 3 unless your are being "friendly") in 2009. We love it. Even though we are on the good side of 50, both my wife and I saw the tub as a medical investment. It does wonders with sore muscles to warm up on a cold day prior to starting the day.

Not sure of the general effect on the the electrical bill as we were also doing a remodel/addition at the same time. The overall electric bill went up ~$30 per month, but I cannot say how much of that is the hot tub (or little pool as my daughter calls it).

In 5 years, I have had a heater go out (covered under warranty) and a broken elbow fitting (may have been covered, but easier to fix it myself). I am not sure how if the issues were truely quality related or due to the fact that the access panel (where all of the electronics/servicable components are) faces due east, so it gets baked in the Central Texas sun during the summer.

 

[wngsprd]

Costco sends us a monthly mailer with their specials, and often there are hot tubs shown. I don't know much about hot tubs, but after being a member of Costco for almost 30 years, I'm pleased that they do a good job of product selection. So, here is a link you can use for price and spec comparison. Biggest problem, is that they don't have them in their stores, and I don't think Greenville has a Costco.

We've often toyed with the idea of getting one, but always have other priorities, so maybe in the future. However, yours sure makes the idea of a visit to Terrapin acres an even better idea .

Hot Tubs & Spas

 

[ttriff]

Hot tubs/Spas are a nice luxury. We've used the Hot Springs brand for our 2 spas.

IMO there's nothing better than the back massage (Moto Massage system) in the Hot Springs brand spas

Ozone injection and silver particle systems go a long way toward lowering the amount of time and number of chemicals needed to keep things clean. Using these kinds of system eliminates the chlorine smell with the exception of when the water needs to be shocked.

Buy all your supplies in the largest quantities offered to cut down on costs.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I have several friends with tubs. Can't really add much insight to brand new tubs.
I have been involved in fixing broken ones. Pumps, control boards and heaters seem to be unique and expensive.
God forbid there is a leak in the tubing and fittings. Took the sides off and it looked like two drunk hillbillies had sprayed the tubing and tub with foam. Not a professional looking build. Had to cut / scrape the "insulation" off until we found the leak in the flexible tubes.
Hot tubs kind of remind me of campers and rvs. Look pretty good on the outside. Take the skin off and it's pretty much hacked together.

That has been my experience too. I have owned two of them, and the one I have now is not working because of a leak. They are not worth the hassle and expense of upkeep.

 

[brt]

Look for one with an enhanced insulation package. Mine (LA Spas) has the "Arctic" insulation package and the amount of insulation around the tub is visibly greater than the "Standard" amount I've seen on many brands. In addition, the better insulation package came with the 5" thick cover versus the standard 3" cover. Last winter when I checked the temperature outside it was 17 degrees and we left the tub (heater not running) at 10PM at 102 degrees. When I checked it in the morning at 9AM the temperature was 98 degrees. Not bad for almost 12 hours with no heat added. I credit the great performance to the extra insulation and thicker cover. It is also a 3 person model running on 220 volts. Was advised against the 110 volt models.

I built the lid lifter shown in this video and it works great, even with my heavier cover. I did place 3/4" dowels inside of all of the PVC tubing for extra strength and would highly recommend that modification DIY Hot Tub Cover Lifter - YouTube