4Stringer/KipWinger
Since 27 Apr 2005
541 Posts
Hood River
Addicted
Wed Oct 24, 12 11:49 amOT: hot tub buying advise
Beginning an information gathering process which I'd like to lead to buying a reliable, (relatively) energy efficient, easy to chemically balance, and less than 300 gallon/4 person hot tub. Like the idea of buying a minimally used, 1-2 year old Bullfrog or Hotsprings (or ?) Please share any advise that you may have. Thanks.
Not interested in any Hot Tub Time Machine anecdotes. Lou couldn't have co-opted the Crue in '86. _________________ revitalized by muthu-nachu Last edited by 4Stringer/KipWinger on Wed Oct 24, 12 11:55 am; edited 1 time in total
Budget $800.00 - $1,000 for the electrical circuit if you go with the 240v version. The closer to your electrical panel the better as far as running the wire. Make sure your panel has spare breaker space. _________________ Slingshot | Ride Engine |Try before you buy | PM me
4Stringer/KipWinger
Since 27 Apr 2005
541 Posts
Hood River
Addicted
Wed Oct 24, 12 11:59 am
Panel is literally as close as could be without being in the tub. Also, we have breaker space.
Holy-moly though regarding expense of electrical circuit for 240. Good to know.
I haven't yet done the online research to figure-out the advantages to 240. If care to share, please do. Thanks. _________________ revitalized by muthu-nachu
I don't sell hot tubs but most commonly the larger ones with multiple jets and quicker water heating capabilities are 240v. Your electricity bill depending on use will go up $20.00 - $40.00 also.
If you need a hand hooking it up, PM me. _________________ Slingshot | Ride Engine |Try before you buy | PM me
I would opt for a model that has all "seats" vs. one with a "bed" area.
Even with an ozonator/UV filter/Ion Cannon/Magic minerals/etc. you will still in my experiance need to use some good'ol fashion chemicals. Bromine tabs with a feeder and shock are really all I have had to use.
Best to pick one day a week that you consistantly check the water with a test strip and balance the chemicals.
Wal-mart and Hood River Supply both carry a decent amount of chemicals and some standard size filters.
quenyaistar
Since 21 Oct 2011
416 Posts
Cougar, WA
Obsessed
Wed Oct 24, 12 1:01 pm
Get a sauna, that way you are not sitting around in yours and your friends own butt soup. _________________ 1 OF 1
toddjb
Since 16 Oct 2007
271 Posts
MD
Obsessed
Wed Oct 24, 12 1:10 pm
4Stringer/KipWinger wrote:
Panel is literally as close as could be without being in the tub. Also, we have breaker space.
Holy-moly though regarding expense of electrical circuit for 240. Good to know.
I haven't yet done the online research to figure-out the advantages to 240. If care to share, please do. Thanks.
Here's the deal...if you get one of the 120 setups, it will not have enough juice to run the jets AND the heat at the same time. One or the other. So, when you are toasting your nads with your peeps this winter, the tub is going to get progressively cooler as you soak. So, you need to get one of the 240 jobs so it can hold 104 degrees for hours, while you run the jets, toss back some cocktails, and talk smack about the session you just scored.
(You CAN power the heat and have the jets on low on a 120 hot tub...but without the jets on high, you're just sitting in a bathtub with a bunch of dudes. You need the jets. You want a 240. )
Plan on replacing the cover. Those things get waterlogged and covered in mildew. The hot tub you buy should not smell like mildew...it's tough to get rid of that even if you bleach the heck out of everything. Those covers will only last about 5 years anyway before they get waterlogged and start to fall apart, unfortunately.
Have one. Love it. Hot Springs is a great brand. (not what I have. i have a Marquis which has been good for many years.)
Good advice from previous posts. Go 240 or go home. You will want a constant 104 degree temp and jets to prep you for your next snow or water session. Covers wear out. . .
Enjoy!
apctjb
Since 19 Aug 2007
438 Posts
Obsessed
Wed Oct 24, 12 3:03 pm
COSTCO sells good quality hot tubs. Delivered to your door. Go 240V if you have the circuit.
stringy
Since 23 Jun 2006
1736 Posts
vancouver
XTreme Poster
Wed Oct 24, 12 4:01 pm
I just had to replace the cover on my tub ($500). the tech who delivered it recommended I get the bubble sheet and this will prevent the cover from going bad.
make sure you keep it going and also be up on your chemical levels. if you let it go for too long, it can damage the components (rust on pump shafts)
I've had to replace the main pump due to negligence.
I keep a good eye on it now and tend to use it everyday especially now that its cooler at night.
I got mine from costco. it was a good deal, but would probably go with the local outfit because their customer service has been great. _________________ www.jimstringfellow.com
jackZ
Since 13 Apr 2008
355 Posts
Devon Alberta ca.
Obsessed
Thu Oct 25, 12 12:15 pm
Jonpnw wrote:
Cedar tub with a wood fired stove would be nice.
These are awesome !
My cousin in Holland put one in his tiny little back yard there . It heats up in no time .
JackZ _________________ IKO water Instructor
kiteboard junkie
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
You need the jets. You want a 240. )
