Hot tub questions

RACKER · #1 03-01-2016, 07:34 PM

I am looking to maybe purchase a new hot tub in the spring and need all the input I can receive from all hot tub owners.I understand you get what you pay for but there are a lot of different quality models and features.The only info I usually hear is to buy an Artic spa or any model from Costco.I plan on using it darn near every day if that makes any difference.Any info or tips to look for are welcomed.Thanks in advance.

Domestique · #2 03-01-2016, 07:37 PM

I have an inflatable hot tub and love it, we take it everywhere.

hal53 · #3 03-01-2016, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACKER

I am looking to maybe purchase a new hot tub in the spring and need all the input I can receive from all hot tub owners.I understand you get what you pay for but there are a lot of different quality models and features.The only info I usually hear is to buy an Artic spa or any model from Costco.I plan on using it darn near every day if that makes any difference.Any info or tips to look for are welcomed.Thanks in advance.

where are you located?

Drewski Canuck · #4 03-01-2016, 07:51 PM

I bought a 2 year old Beachcomber Spa, their biggest, for $2,500.00. This was a $14,000 tub at one point. In other words, look for a used one and see it running, if you have the means to transport it and get it working again on the other end.

Beachcomber is nice for its dealer network which has good product support. Mine has the pump and heater pack outside the tub on a skid making it easy to take in and service.

I had Beachcomber upgrade the pump pack to include the UV light tube system that constantly purifies the water when the pump runs. This allows less chemical use to battle fungus and viruses, etc.

Truth be known, none of the manufacturers actually build their own pumps. Balboa is a maker of pumps you will see a lot for instance. Same thing for heaters and control boards. The build technique is typically a vacuum formed acrylic sheet with piping plumbed into cut out ports before expanded foam is used to insulate the tub.

Unless you have a pool boy, think EASE OF SERVICE because it is inevitable.

Mine runs constant at the lake with all the friends and family. I get to battle the water filters and cleaning. Funny that.

Drewski

RACKER · #5 03-01-2016, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hal53

where are you located?

Wetaskiwin area

brslk · #6 03-01-2016, 09:21 PM

I would stay away from tubs insulated with expanded foam. When a leak happens they will have to chisel away the foam to find it and fix it $$$.

All hot tub salesmen are worse than used car salesmen and will say whatever it takes to sell you a hot tub.

Look for a dealer that's been around for a long time and research them online.

Use it often! Nothing feels better after a hard days work than a 20 minute soak in the tub. Even in winter.

Oh, get a propane patio heater to keep near the tub. It makes it easier to use the tub in winter.

I love our hot tub!

Domestique · #7 03-01-2016, 09:23 PM

^^You are correct about Hot Tub salsemen. My saless dude told me mine was a time machine.

brslk · #8 03-01-2016, 10:37 PM

^^ and you are correct about inflatable hot tubs. We had one for two years before we got a permanent one.

They're a gateway drug.

Johnny G1 · #9 03-01-2016, 10:39 PM

Try and find one without foam, it is put in there as insulation to keep the tub warm and save on electric bill, which will be about $50-75 a month, had a Beachcomber for many yrs and yes it is a lot of upkeep to keep them clean for health reason's, the biggest killer for hot tubs is soap that you don't always get out of your clothes, so no suit in a tub, seen the water have to be change after one night party, and chemical's are not cheap. Just my thought's. Lights out and every body naked will pay in the long run.

Thunder/FX · #10 03-01-2016, 11:03 PM

Have had an Arctic Spa for 10 yrs and it is amazing!
The salt water Onzen system is great.
With proper care, your water can go one year without change.
Crystal clear always.
Expensive tub but you get what you pay for

tri777 · #11 03-02-2016, 05:25 AM

Arctic Spa Arctic Spa Arctic Spa !!
This cannot be stressed enough.

Make sure it has a lounger! (just having sitting spots gets old after awhile)

Get the cedar siding only! Much better durability then the
cheaper plastic covered type option and is quite fragile..

And if you just must have a foam filled type Hot Tub,
'when' it springs a leak,
i walk away from those now, complete money pit.

kens · #12 03-02-2016, 06:35 AM

http://h2ospas.ca/ H2O is my second hot tub, we bought a newer model a few years ago, it's been excellent. Canadian product, check out the faq section of the web site it addresses a lot of issues including the foam insulation comment raised by blsrk above. You will have to contact them to see about a distributor in your area. I bought from a pool maintenance repair co in Calgary because I couldn't stand the BS at the "spa" stores. http://www.mdhpoolsandspas.ca/en/

70chevy · #13 03-02-2016, 08:11 AM

We have had a beachcomber going on 6 years.we use it mostly everyday.Very good product.made in Canada with a great warranty. We had an issue with one of the pumps on it and when they came to fix it they replaced both.

gatesniffer · #14 03-02-2016, 08:30 AM

I have a Maax hottub. We bought it from the Spa spot. It is fantastic. 5 years running and only have had a problem with the lights. It uses ultra violet technology to keep the water nice. Just a dose of spa shock once a week and a biodegradable clearing agent once a week, thats it.

brad8210 · #15 03-02-2016, 08:46 AM

They are a gigantic chemistry set in my experience but are fantastic once the learning curve of chemicals is done take one of the pool school classes that most stores offer for free if you buy from them

JimPS · #16 03-02-2016, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hal53

where are you located?

Need a party or something? Weird response. No follow up.

Couldn't be any happier with this outfit.

http://www.truenorthtubs.com/

hal53 · #17 03-02-2016, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimPS

Need a party or something? Weird response. No follow up.

Couldn't be any happier with this outfit.

http://www.truenorthtubs.com/

thanks for your valuable input....

JimPS · #18 03-02-2016, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hal53

thanks for your valuable input....

I don't think you'd like True North - there's no scantily clad 20 something salespeople to jump in the tub with you on the showroom floor - it's a family operation.