[MtnBikerChk]

...it's not for my house - but it might as well be! It's for my cousin's house where we spend our weekends in the winter (skiing in VT).

So where do I start? Top on her list is energy efficiency and she's thinking 4 person model.

I'm sure there's a hot tub forum out there somewhere that I have yet to google.

C'mon Brian - you must know somethin about these guys

 

[douglas]

I'm thinking the Hot tub store?

 

[McGRP01]

4 person huh? Who are the other 2 people we're going to invite?

 

[MtnBikerChk]

4 person huh? Who are the other 2 people we're going to invite?

know anyone?

 

[McGRP01]

Well.... Nevermind, I will be good and not derail MBC's thread any further.

 

[SkaredShtles]

Go wood fired!

 

[llkoolkeg]

Holy peeping areola, Batman!

 

[jacksonpt]

Just a suggestion... there are good deals to be found on used ones. They are expensive when new, and frequently people don't use them as often as they think and end up selling them in very good shape.

 

[MtnBikerChk]

Just a suggestion... there are good deals to be found on used ones. They are expensive when new, and frequently people don't use them as often as they think and end up selling them in very good shape.

suggestion well taken - but still, there are so many brands and styles etc - things to look for?

 

[llkoolkeg]

suggestion well taken - but still, there are so many brands and styles etc - things to look for?

An automatic spooge skimmer...or you can cheap out and just use a goldfish net.

 

[Trainwreck]

Look for the one with about 2000 jets. I second jacksonpt on shopping used.

 

[ktmsx]

Just a suggestion... there are good deals to be found on used ones. They are expensive when new, and frequently people don't use them as often as they think and end up selling them in very good shape.

I agree, every person I know who has one used it a lot when it was new and then it just sits there...

 

[jacksonpt]

suggestion well taken - but still, there are so many brands and styles etc - things to look for?

Just a quick googling of "hot tub buying guide"... take it for what it's worth...

http://www.calderaspas.com/Guide/index_buy_spa_hot_tub.html

http://www.poolspaliving.com/Shop/Issues/06/Buyersguide/hottubs_article.asp

http://www.hottubsparatings.com/

http://www.poolandspa.com/page149.htm

Sorry - I have no knowledge about them myself.

 

[splat]

eBay!

something like this may not be what your looking for , but I bet Phil would love it on teh CT house hold

http://cgi.ebay.com/KORAL-Computerized-Steam-Shower-Massage-Sauna-WHIRLPOOL_W0QQitemZ320025427120QQihZ011QQcategoryZ46249QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Brian HCM#1]

A 4 person is kinda cramped, it's better to look in something between 5-7 people. A lot of the newer models are fairly energy efficient.

 

[Sherpa]

Buying a used hot tub is like being a used matress.

 

[Transcend]

Buying a used hot tub is like being a used matress.

or used tighty whities.

 

[Brian HCM#1]

Buying a used hot tub is like being a used matress.

Not always, some people buy them use it for a month straight then never touch it again. There are great condition used ones around. Just got to clean out all the floaters and you're golden.:biggrin:

 

[MtnBikerChk]

eBay!

something like this may not be what your looking for , but I bet Phil would love it on teh CT house hold

http://cgi.ebay.com/KORAL-Computerized-Steam-Shower-Massage-Sauna-WHIRLPOOL_W0QQitemZ320025427120QQihZ011QQcategoryZ46249QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

lol - I'd take that!!

I guess Rachel and Keith really liked the one at the KT because it's going to their house!

 

[bigbirdie]

I have a Hot Springs 6 person tub ($7000 new). I use it every night before bed from Sept. to June (I live in CT.) I swear by them. It is outside on my deck. I keep the water between 100-104. I recommend the Hot Springs brand. They have been around for a long time and are a well known company in the industry.

Btw, the more jets, the more chances you have of the plumbing leaking.

Things to look for in a tub:
First and foremost, seating capacity. The bigger you can get the better. They do get cramped when fiiled to capacity (I should know).
Second, like I said before, the more the jets the leak chances increase.
Third, filtration. Get one with at least 3 filters.
Fourth, pumps. It should have 2 pumps. One for the air and one for the water.
Fifth is the energy efficiency part. There are usually 2 types of electrical hooks ups that you can do. 110 (standard houshold current) and 220 (typical clother dryer). The difference between the 2 are the 110 takes longer to heat the water and more energy to keep the water hot while in use; especially when the tub is outside. the 220 heats alot quicker and keeps the water at a more consistent temp while in use, but uses more electricity.
and lastly, don't fall for the gimics that usually come with the tubs (i.e. tv's, towel warmers, etc.). the cost sky rockets and in my opinion, are useless when the whole intent is to relax (or whatever your little heart desires).

The best thing to do is go to a store where they sell hot tubs. any store that knows what they are doing will most likely allow you to try out the tubs in their showroom before you buy (mine did). My wife and I spent a good 3+ hrs. trying out 7 different tubs. You really need to do this in order to see how different manufactures design their tubs and the seating and jet placement.

good luck with your search.

 

[bigbirdie]

eBay!

something like this may not be what your looking for , but I bet Phil would love it on teh CT house hold

http://cgi.ebay.com/KORAL-Computerized-Steam-Shower-Massage-Sauna-WHIRLPOOL_W0QQitemZ320025427120QQihZ011QQcategoryZ46249QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I see that and I "cue the porn music............."

 

[MtnBikerChk]

I have a Hot Springs 6 person tub ($7000 new). I use it every night before bed from Sept. to June (I live in CT.) I swear by them. It is outside on my deck. I keep the water between 100-104. I recommend the Hot Springs brand. They have been around for a long time and are a well known company in the industry.

Btw, the more jets, the more chances you have of the plumbing leaking.

Things to look for in a tub:
First and foremost, seating capacity. The bigger you can get the better. They do get cramped when fiiled to capacity (I should know).
Second, like I said before, the more the jets the leak chances increase.
Third, filtration. Get one with at least 3 filters.
Fourth, pumps. It should have 2 pumps. One for the air and one for the water.
Fifth is the energy efficiency part. There are usually 2 types of electrical hooks ups that you can do. 110 (standard houshold current) and 220 (typical clother dryer). The difference between the 2 are the 110 takes longer to heat the water and more energy to keep the water hot while in use; especially when the tub is outside. the 220 heats alot quicker and keeps the water at a more consistent temp while in use, but uses more electricity.
and lastly, don't fall for the gimics that usually come with the tubs (i.e. tv's, towel warmers, etc.). the cost sky rockets and in my opinion, are useless when the whole intent is to relax (or whatever your little heart desires).

The best thing to do is go to a store where they sell hot tubs. any store that knows what they are doing will most likely allow you to try out the tubs in their showroom before you buy (mine did). My wife and I spent a good 3+ hrs. trying out 7 different tubs. You really need to do this in order to see how different manufactures design their tubs and the seating and jet placement.

good luck with your search.

cool! Thanks!

Where in CT?

 

[bigbirdie]

I live in Meriden. I bought it at Scarritt Pool and Spa in Bristol. www.scarritt.com.

 

[TreeSaw]

Excellent! We have been tossing around the idea of getting one for our deck for a few years, but haven't made the plunge yet because we have no idea what to look for (other than energy efficiency). Keep us posted on the search!!!

Also, I am loving the idea of testing out a few models too!!!

 

[SkaredShtles]

Excellent! We have been tossing around the idea of getting one for our deck for a few years, but haven't made the plunge yet because we have no idea what to look for (other than energy efficiency).

Hot tubs are not energy efficient. Period. Some are *more* efficient than others, but they're really big electricity sinks, basically.

That said, I wish I still had a functioning one.

 

[TreeSaw]

Hot tubs are not energy efficient. Period. Some are *more* efficient than others, but they're really big electricity sinks, basically.

That said, I wish I still had a functioning one.

Yeah, we actually were thinking about the wood burning type, but haven't really done any more than thinking about them.

 

[SkaredShtles]

Yeah, we actually were thinking about the wood burning type, but haven't really done any more than thinking about them.

My wife wants to replace the broken tub we have on the deck, but the thought of blowing a bunch of cash on a new tub and then paying 30% more on my electricity bill every month bums me out.

 

[splat]

I see that and I "cue the porn music............."

you say that Like that is a Bad thing ?

 

[bigbirdie]

I don't know about you guys, but I use mine every night, from sept. to june for about 20-30 min., it's outside, running on 110, temp set at 102 average and my electric bill is only about $30 more per month. I also have a pellet stove running to heat the house, plus 2 tv.s 3 computers, lights, etc. and my electirc bill in the dead of winter is no more than $170 per month.

I don't care what anyone says, the cost of running and maintaining one is a no brainer compared to the heath benifits of using one.

 

[bigbirdie]

you say that Like that is a Bad thing ?

oh no way!!! I can think of many different senarios/sceens for that:biggrin:

 

[SkaredShtles]

I don't know about you guys, but I use mine every night, from sept. to june for about 20-30 min., it's outside, running on 110, temp set at 102 average and my electric bill is only about $30 more per month. I also have a pellet stove running to heat the house, plus 2 tv.s 3 computers, lights, etc. and my electirc bill in the dead of winter is no more than $170 per month.

My electric bill has never been more than $70/mo.

I don't care what anyone says, the cost of running and maintaining one is a no brainer compared to the heath benifits of using one.

You're obviously a "hot tub guy."

 

[MtnBikerChk]

I live in Meriden. I bought it at Scarritt Pool and Spa in Bristol. www.scarritt.com.

hmf - I just sold a front derailleur to a DH Bkr in Meriden

 

[bigbirdie]

hmf - I just sold a front derailleur to a DH Bkr in Meriden

yup. that's me. DH MBKR btw.......

seroiusly though, if you want to take a look at my tub just let me know....you already know where I live.

 

[MtnBikerChk]

yup. that's me. DH MBKR btw.......

seroiusly though, if you want to take a look at my tub just let me know....you already know where I live.

HEHHEH

thanks.

My cousin went to some show this weekend and purchased a thermospa.

that's not to say I won't show up one day - towel in hand!

 

[Qman]

Also, I am loving the idea of testing out a few models too!!!

Bring the bottle of 151 to mix it up a bit. Tell the salesperson, "doctor's orders".

 

[jimmydean]

My wife and I talk about getting one all the time. But we look at used ones and think it's a great idea until we see our neighbors in theirs (not a nice site) and fear what has gone on in it before we bought it.

Not sure if there is enough bleech in the world to get the image out of my head.