Thinking about a hot tub/spa. Advice?

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?

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.

Almost never gets used. Just another maintenance item to deal with.

Ask around someone will give you one if you remove it, I did I'm glad it's gone!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Does having one make any difference on home owners insurance?

I put hot tubs in the same category as swimming pools, boats and horses. You want your best friend to own one...

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.

If ya plan to have sex in it, get a shallow one 'cause water is a rinse - not a lubricant !!!

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

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.