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Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? #2818750
09/08/20 09:25 PM
09/08/20 09:25 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,100
Tucson, AZ
Ramrod39 Offline OP
My New Title
Ramrod39  Offline OP
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Tucson, AZ
Wifey and I are thinking of installing a small hot tub/spa in our yard. Not sure what it entails and if it is even a good idea or not. Not exactly sure why, but I kind of think some folks get them and lose interest. What should I know before moving ahead with an install?

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Ramrod39] #2818756
09/08/20 09:35 PM
09/08/20 09:35 PM
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Posts: 1,814
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Can...
moparmike1 Offline
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At least you're in an area that doesn't see below freezing during the winter.

I've seen a few videos of how hot tubs are built, here's one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNBuqtAlP64

While I understand the purpose of spray foam insulation to reduce heat loss, what happens when there's a leak? You have to dig though all that insulation to find and fix a leak. Sounds like fun.

My neighbor has one, his pump needs work every two years. Granted, it runs all through the winter.

To top it off, my neighbor or his wife don't use it as often as when they first bought it so the novelty wore off.

Maybe ask around your neighborhood?

Mike.

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: moparmike1] #2818820
09/09/20 07:34 AM
09/09/20 07:34 AM
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md
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mopars4ever Offline
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Almost never gets used. Just another maintenance item to deal with.

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: mopars4ever] #2818829
09/09/20 09:00 AM
09/09/20 09:00 AM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,378
Az
69hemibeep Offline
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Az
Ask around someone will give you one if you remove it, I did I'm glad it's gone!


1969 Hemi Roadrunner 2nd owner
Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Ramrod39] #2818841
09/09/20 09:23 AM
09/09/20 09:23 AM
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Benton, IL.
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DaveRS23 Offline
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Benton, IL.
We have looked into this several different times over the years. But most of our friends that have put them in, have had them removed after they sat unused for long periods of time. For us, the operating costs and maintenance are the biggest hindrances. Chemicals, water changes, electricity, etc.

https://www.directenergy.com/learning-center/how-much-electricity-does-a-hot-tub-use


Master, again and still
Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: 69hemibeep] #2818844
09/09/20 09:25 AM
09/09/20 09:25 AM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,935
WI
Dcuda69 Offline
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I've had two. While I did enjoy them they are a bit of maintenance item. You're in AZ so minimum heating costs compared to where I am. When the last one crapped out I took a Sawzall to it and put it on the curb in pieces. We now have some nice furniture and a fire pit on the deck where it sat. Don't miss it at all.

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Dcuda69] #2818883
09/09/20 10:31 AM
09/09/20 10:31 AM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,134
Las Vegas, NV
Tom_440 Offline
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I took a Sawzall to mine as well. Cut it up to fit in the dumpster. I will admit cutting it up was a pain but kinda satisfying as well.

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Tom_440] #2818929
09/09/20 12:16 PM
09/09/20 12:16 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,365
St. Charles, MO
wingman Offline
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St. Charles, MO
Similar to taking care of a pool--testing chlorine levels, pH, alkalinity, hardness, filter, etc and periodically adding chemicals to keep everything in balance.

If you don't mind doing that kind of stuff, then they are not a huge amount of work.

My mother in law has one (came with the house). She is not a very "handy" person but she manages it just fine. The kids enjoy it when they visit her.


1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 383 A4
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440 FC7 (sold)
Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Ramrod39] #2818930
09/09/20 12:25 PM
09/09/20 12:25 PM
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Jefferson State
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srt Offline
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Jefferson State
The larger and more bubblers the quicker the water cools.
Working in the industry for a couple years I decided wood soaking tubs were pretty nice, a little more maintenance scrubbing the wood.
I have owned only one. A softub, light, cheap and the filter motor heats to water. Made of foam it insulates itelf.
Easy to sell when you get tired of it too.

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: srt] #2819015
09/09/20 04:09 PM
09/09/20 04:09 PM
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Ontario, Canada
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Stanton Offline
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Had one for a number of years and moved it when we bought a new home. We used it "at least" every second day or night - year round. It was outdoors on an open deck. Cold winter nights were the best - especially under clear skies. Maintenance was no big deal. I think we changed the water twice a year. We'd do the chemical maintenance once a week I think and had one of those floating chlorine dispensers. We're considering getting another one but I would go with salt water this time. Leaks are generally only an issue when the unit gets old - like 10 years. Keep in mind the more gadgets and jets, the more potential for problems. If its lit up like a carnival ride there's something to fail. Sound system - you're just asking for trouble. 1,000 jets - you're gonna have issues. And avoid "plug and play" units like the plague - they don't get hot enough or maintain their heat because they're only 110 volt.

What I look for:
- must have a lounger
- depth - if it fits through a door its too shallow
- no crazy number of jets - lower back and shoulders are where you'll appreciate them most
- bubbler is a nice feature
- salt water
- NO funky lights - one in the footwell is sufficient
- NO sound system
- I really like the units where the pump and heating units are under the stairs - more accessible if necessary.

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Stanton] #2819020
09/09/20 04:17 PM
09/09/20 04:17 PM
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Super Spudsville
Mr PotatoHead Online rolleyes
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You might do good to borrow a friends for a season and see how much you use it ir dont use it.

Ive seem many people buy, use a year or so and take a huge lose just to get it out of there way.

Ive passed on many FREE ones that were less then five years old, the whole idea is kinda wore out imo.


STOP POTATO HATE!
Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Mr PotatoHead] #2819026
09/09/20 04:48 PM
09/09/20 04:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 32,882
Grand Prairie,Texas
stumpy Offline
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Does having one make any difference on home owners insurance?

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: stumpy] #2819028
09/09/20 05:14 PM
09/09/20 05:14 PM
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St. Louis, Mo
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318 Stroker Online content
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I put hot tubs in the same category as swimming pools, boats and horses. You want your best friend to own one... grin

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: stumpy] #2819032
09/09/20 05:22 PM
09/09/20 05:22 PM
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Super Spudsville
Mr PotatoHead Online rolleyes
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Yea, its all fun till me ma falls and breaks her hip.

The web says this.... Hot tub accidents or injuries for home residents are not covered; that falls under your health insurance plan. Since a hot tub on the property increases the risk of accident, you might consider upping your policy's liability limit if it's below $300,000.


Originally Posted by stumpy
Does having one make any difference on home owners insurance?


STOP POTATO HATE!
Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Mr PotatoHead] #2819066
09/09/20 07:31 PM
09/09/20 07:31 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
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Stanton Offline
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If ya plan to have sex in it, get a shallow one 'cause water is a rinse - not a lubricant !!!

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: Stanton] #2819083
09/09/20 08:23 PM
09/09/20 08:23 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,346
It's a dry heat
gtx6970 Offline
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It's a dry heat
We have one ,( came with the house when we bought it )

Was neat for the 1st six months. It rarely gets used now. Might use it a few times over the cooler months out here. IMO not worth the effort to maintain it.
Actually thinking we may sell it and use the floor space on the patio for something else ,,like big couch and big screen tv

Re: Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice? [Re: gtx6970] #2819603
09/11/20 08:44 AM
09/11/20 08:44 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,122
Hunt Valley, Maryland
1fastrunner Offline
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We were looking into getting a spool. We would want to use it to cool off in the summer and heat it up in the winter. Think of it as a small pool. My issue isn't keeping it hot in the winter, but cool in the summer.







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