Hot tub/spa owners, chime in!

[IndyColtsFan]

The wife and I are rebuilding our patio and backyard landscaping, and we're considering adding a hot tub as well. I'd like to hear some experiences, especially with specific brands. We've looked at models by Royal Spas and have looked at spas by Artesian such as this model:

http://www.tropicspas.com/content/spas/waikiki.html

Any thoughts?

 

[Zebo]

Definitely the way to go Indy. Ours is part of swimming pool and sux never gets used. Jets in wrong place, few of them, takes an hour planning if you want to use it to warm up, etc. I can't comment on individual models tho just that's it's a superior setup to have stand alone for half the price. GL

Maybe find model/power you're liking and google search it to hear opinions?

 

[JulesMaximus]

My sister and her husband just bought a used spa for $100. The guy even delivered it to their house for them. All it needed was a new cover and a pump or filter...can't remember which. That cost them another $500 so $600 total for a perfectly fine spa. Not sure what brand, I'll have to ask her next time I talk to her. She sent me pictures though, it is big and looks brand new now that they've put a little money into it.

Might check your local Craigslist to see if you can find a deal like that.

 

[slag]

I'm partial to Hot Springs. They are among the industry best. Mine is a 1995 Grandee that just plain works. No special things like a waterfall or stereo or anything, but it does have two back massagers, tons of jets, and works well. I've replaced a few wear items over the years and patched a couple leaks, but overall, a very very solid tub and made well.

 

[Jeeebus]

we had a hot tub in one of our houses when I was a senior in HS. We moved out, parents listed the house for sale, and I took a girl back there one afternoon for her to experience "the Jeeebus." Had our fun in the hot tub and left.

Couple days later, our skin was greenish and so was her hair. Ughhh. Point is, they are somewhat of a bitch to take care of and might turn your penis green, but not in a cool Incredible Hulk type of way.

 

[Raizinman]

I purchased the Artesian Pelican Bay, which is their top of the line spa. I searched around for the best price, and the best price was from a Chicago dealer 300 miles away. It comes with the built in stereo, speakers, lots of jets everywhere special lighting. I use it about 2 or 3 times a week. Really love it.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I purchased the Artesian Pelican Bay, which is their top of the line spa. I searched around for the best price, and the best price was from a Chicago dealer 300 miles away. It comes with the built in stereo, speakers, lots of jets everywhere special lighting. I use it about 2 or 3 times a week. Really love it.

Good to know. The model I linked isn't a top Artesian, but is mid-range. This is out first spa so I don't want to go too wild, though the one with the TV built-in was interesting.....

 

[brainhulk]

Breeding ground for nasty nasty bacteria

 

[Fear No Evil]

Breeding ground for nasty nasty bacteria

That's what chlorine is for.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

we had a hot tub in one of our houses when I was a senior in HS. We moved out, parents listed the house for sale, and I took a girl back there one afternoon for her to experience "the Jeeebus." Had our fun in the hot tub and left.

Couple days later, our skin was greenish and so was her hair. Ughhh. Point is, they are somewhat of a bitch to take care of and might turn your penis green, but not in a cool Incredible Hulk type of way.

 

[Fear No Evil]

Too much copper in the water. Probably from the owner using copper based algaecides or other copper based spa/pool care products.

 

[bignateyk]

They are alot of work (between cleaning them and maintaining the proper chemical balance), are expensive upfront, and are fairly expensive to run.

It's damn nice to get into one in the dead of winter with snow and 0 degree air all around you though.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

It's damn nice to get into one in the dead of winter with snow and 0 degree air all around you though.

That's the goal.

 

[BTA]

We have a super old Hot Springs Spa, thing runs like a champ. The only thing we've had to do is replace the water pump one time and that was because somebody in the household decided to turn it on while empty and dry. (not me)

Otherwise it just keeps working.

I'm not a big hottub guy though, prefer the pool. The wife has no problem becoming a cooked lobster in it though...hotter the better for her.

 

[olds]

It's been a while since we bought one.
At that time, Hot Springs was a brand to stay away from.
We settled on Marquis. They had the best (7 years iirc) warranty.