What to look for in a hot tub purchase...

[Cray Paper]

As part of our back yard renovation this year we are looking to add a hot tub. I bought a used one from a friend 25 years ago and at the time I wasn't all that interested in sitting still long enough to enjoy it. I sold it a year later, and after having to replace plumbing parts on it.

That said, it's just going to be my wife and I using it mostly but occasionally having the kids or friends over, so max use at a time would be 4. I'm sure a hot tub salesman will give us a good rundown on what they are promoting, but what say you? What are the key things to consider when purchasing a hot tub?

The panel on our home has space for the breakers and the service can handle 220v. Just looking for advise on size, manufacture and options that are beneficial / worth the added $.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

First I’d recommend the one with the Time Machine, that comes in handy more often than you’d think.

You didn’t say if this was above ground or set in the ground. But either way you want easy access to the pumps and valves so that can be maintained. And the it helps if the filters are washable. We just do the chlorine thing in ours, the things like salt systems get to be a pain.

Having molded seats with various jet options is nice. And definitely a light, preferably LED these days. Also keep it covered to keep the heater bills down.

 

[Cray Paper]

DHR, thanks for the reply,.

Above ground, on a concrete pad. Good cover is important in the PNW. Had one on the last tub until my ex wife left a chair next to the tub and my 2 chocolate labs got on top of it and ate half of it.

Wife and I don't have labs now so that shouldn't be a concern!

 

[n2otoofast4u]

My Nephew owns a line that specifically built for here in the PNW. Send me a PM, I’ll get you his cell. He can help for anything you’d need.

 

[zhandfull]

Kind of been looking for a used one myself. Following

 

[Cray Paper]

My Nephew owns a line that specifically built for here in the PNW. Send me a PM, I’ll get you his cell. He can help for anything you’d need.

PM sent, thank you!

 

[sonicss31]

Why Hot Spring® - Hot Spring Spas

Hot Spring Spas strives to provide spas with the powerful combination of one-of-a-kind massage, innovative water care systems, and features that keep water hot while keeping operating costs low.

www.hotspring.com

Had one of these in MD years ago. Was a high quality build and low maintenance, don’t know if that’s changed over time though.

 

[RichL]

Why Hot Spring® - Hot Spring Spas

Hot Spring Spas strives to provide spas with the powerful combination of one-of-a-kind massage, innovative water care systems, and features that keep water hot while keeping operating costs low.

www.hotspring.com

Had one of these in MD years ago. Was a high quality build and low maintenance, don’t know if that’s changed over time though.

This is a name I haven't heard for a long time. Their reputation was excellent back in the day.

 

[BHC Vic]

PM sent, thank you!

On a separate note how is everything with the merger going up there? I’ll be out that way quite a bit teaching and training the instructors that stayed on board.

 

[Gramps]

another vote for https://www.hotspring.com/

 

[traquer]

I'm in your shoes too. For a large hot tub that I want I'm not spending $8-12k for something made in China being flipped here for profit. And that's Costco pricing, the other companies don't even have a price on their website, they want you to fill out a quote request. When I see that I'm already pissed at the bastards.. I'm not buying a yacht or building a custom resort style pool, I just want an off-the-self fiberglass hot tub, FFS..

If I can buy the same thing or nearly the same thing on Alibaba for $1-3k + $1k shipping or whatever I will be happy. One of the members here mentioned to only get the ones that use a specific computer or filter system, which have abundant parts here? Either way, these spa manufacturers in China all use the same suppliers, so with some leg work I can buy any replacement part I need just gotta wait on shipping times, I can deal with that.

Anyway, that's my plan. Let's hear the hate lol

 

[Your ad here]

Based on your relationship history, wear a life vest when you're in the hot tub.

 

[LuauLounge]

I bought the Costco one in 2006. Lost the control panel in 2010 and haven’t replaced it I need to ut it on the todo list.
This is #3 for us, the first was in a 1984, a built in, gas and stayed with the house. Next was 1990 or so and #3 still here. Needs the control panel, which is still available, $100.
I’m sure they all have smartphone apps, I’d make sure this wasn’t a requirement to operate the spa. I’d hate to have a $1000 repair bill a few months after the warranty ends.

 

[Ziggy]

HotSprings tubs are made in Vista, a few miles from me.
.
I've had a few(3 or 4) tubs over the years and all I will say is KISS.
My first one blew bubbles and heated up great for many years without issue...very basic with next to no electronics.
The next couple had repeated issues, 99% electronic/pcb issues. The more bells/whistles, the more problems arise is my opinion. I'm also not impressed with their filtration either, just seems they are mostly inadequate.
This is just my experiences with them & doesn't mean they are junk......but they might be

 

[BabyRay]

HotSprings tubs are made in Vista, a few miles from me.
.
I've had a few(3 or 4) tubs over the years and all I will say is KISS.
My first one blew bubbles and heated up great for many years without issue...very basic with next to no electronics.
The next couple had repeated issues, 99% electronic/pcb issues. The more bells/whistles, the more problems arise is my opinion. I'm also not impressed with their filtration either, just seems they are mostly inadequate.
This is just my experiences with them & doesn't mean they are junk......but they might be

I agree that most filter systems are inadequate. I have a Bullfrog tub, and while I do like it, I’d like it more if it had a better filter systems. I’ve also had two Hot Springs, and they were better in that regard. It’s been some years though, so I don’t know how they are now.

 

[ChumpChange]

Make sure your wife likes it so it will still get use after the divorce.

I kid. I kid.

 

[Bobby V]

I have a Caldera spa. Had to replace the impeller and motor after 6 years.

 

[yz450mm]

I agree that most filter systems are inadequate. I have a Bullfrog tub, and while I do like it, I’d like it more if it had a better filter systems. I’ve also had two Hot Springs, and they were better in that regard. It’s been some years though, so I don’t know how they are now.

We bought a high-end Hot Spring 8x8 last year that we got a great deal on because it was last year's model.

It has five ceramic filters that filter 100% of the water that goes through the three pumps, instead of the old method of only filtering 20 or 30%.

It has a separate 20 amp circuit for the small pump/heater that runs 24/7, while the two big jet pumps are on their own 20 amp circuit. The heater uses a higher efficiency element to keep the spa at a constant temperature, so the temperature doesn't fluctuate with the jets coming on or off.

We love it so far, much nicer system than the old style spas and way more efficient.

Hot Spring® Spas & Hot Tubs - Highest Rated Hot Tubs - Hot Spring Spas

Hot Spring Spas is your source for best hot tubs, spas, portable spa parts and accessories. We design our spas with the goal - make every day better.

www.hotspring.com

 

[DaBank]

We bought a high-end Hot Spring 8x8 last year that we got a great deal on because it was last year's model.

It has five ceramic filters that filter 100% of the water that goes through the three pumps, instead of the old method of only filtering 20 or 30%.

It has a separate 20 amp circuit for the small pump/heater that runs 24/7, while the two big jet pumps are on their own 20 amp circuit. The heater uses a higher efficiency element to keep the spa at a constant temperature, so the temperature doesn't fluctuate with the jets coming on or off.

We love it so far, much nicer system than the old style spas and way more efficient.

Hot Spring® Spas & Hot Tubs - Highest Rated Hot Tubs - Hot Spring Spas

Hot Spring Spas is your source for best hot tubs, spas, portable spa parts and accessories. We design our spas with the goal - make every day better.

www.hotspring.com

How much was it?
From my research Bullforg and Hotsprings are the better quality and reputation at least here in California.
I have a Calspa that I bought in 2000 and replace the pumps a couple of times over the years, new covers ever 3 or 4 years and the display screen twice. The shell has cracked in places and leaks and the framing has wood that is rotten.
So now looking to get a new 90"x90" spa to fit it the current location the is sunken into a vault.
What is the best shell material now?
Any suggestions on dealers in south California (near the High Desert)?
Frank

 

[yz450mm]

How much was it?
From my research Bullforg and Hotsprings are the better quality and reputation at least here in California.
I have a Calspa that I bought in 2000 and replace the pumps a couple of times over the years, new covers ever 3 or 4 years and the display screen twice. The shell has cracked in places and leaks and the framing has wood that is rotten.
So now looking to get a new 90"x90" spa to fit it the current location the is sunken into a vault.
What is the best shell material now?
Any suggestions on dealers in south California (near the High Desert)?
Frank

I think list was like 15, we paid 9k ish? We are in the HD as well, and I got it from a dealer down in Riverside, link below. It was a pretty easy purchase, paid via credit card over the phone and the guys showed up in a couple of days to install it and offered to take the old one away as well.

As far as shell material, I believe everything is plastic these days which makes sense because it doesn't rot.

Inland Empire Hot Spring Spas · Moreno Valley, California

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[DaBank]

I think list was like 15, we paid 9k ish? We are in the HD as well, and I got it from a dealer down in Riverside, link below. It was a pretty easy purchase, paid via credit card over the phone and the guys showed up in a couple of days to install it and offered to take the old one away as well.

As far as shell material, I believe everything is plastic these days which makes sense because it doesn't rot.

Inland Empire Hot Spring Spas · Moreno Valley, California

maps.app.goo.gl

Thank you.
Do you know your model?
Happy with the spa? The price you paid came with everything like the cover and chemicals and step?
Frank

 

[yz450mm]

Thank you.
Do you know your model?
Happy with the spa? The price you paid came with everything like the cover and chemicals and step?
Frank

I don't remember the model, I'll try and look it up. Yes very happy with it, the teenagers use it more than we do though. Price was spa, cover, delivery, setup, and initial round of chemicals.

You're welcome to stop by and check it out sometime.

 

[DaBank]

I don't remember the model, I'll try and look it up. Yes very happy with it, the teenagers use it more than we do though. Price was spa, cover, delivery, setup, and initial round of chemicals.

You're welcome to stop by and check it out sometime. View attachment 1369430

Nice backyard. I appreciate the offer to look at it. I am in Spring Valley Lake. This is what I want to replace.

 

[Joe mama]

I have a Caldera spa. Had to replace the impeller and motor after 6 years.

It’s been six years?

 

[throttle]

Bought a Hot Spring Spa (Grandee 7 seat). I think ours is 8 years old now. Its been a great investment! I flush and change the water quarterly, religiously clean the ceramic filters and swap the "FreshWater Ozone" filter. No chlorine, no bromine, no odor! Consistent temperature all the time (101). Also added a "Cool Zone", that allows us to drop the temperature down to 60 degrees if we wanted to (great for those hot havasu days and warm nights).

We have had up to 5 people in it at once, it gets cozy depending on your guests. Almost always just the wife and I and we find ourselves playing musical chairs often to get the feel of a different jet pattern or view of sunset or backyard.

The unit sits 40" tall, I felt that was a bit too high to comfortably sit on edge or step in so we built a vault and dropped it in the deck 20" while leaving room to get to the access panel.

Its always covered and mostly even has a Sunbrella cover on top of that and has help up great.

 

[Orange Juice]

They last about 8 years if you take care of them. I had a CalSpa, new in 1995. Gazebo lasted 4 years before it hit “bandage repair mode”.

The siding around the spa gets wet, and looks like crap within the first year.

Think of a spa purchase like you are going to buy a backyard bbq setup. 10 years is all you’re going to get, before it all gets hauled off to the dump.

All covers suck, and are the biggest reason you won’t go out and use it. It’s a pain in the ass to take off and reinstall. I suggest you have your wife remove and install the cover at the store before you purchase.

 

[Wizard29]

On this topic, I have a swim spa I'm looking to get rid of at my place in NV. Anyone willing to come and get it can have it. Don't have exact measurements, but it's about 5' tall, 12 feet long, and 6 feet wide.

No idea if it works, but it seems to be in good shape. The previous owners left it and a bunch of other stuff when the husband died. I've thought about firing it back up and having it available for us to use, but I doubt we ever would. I'd rather just have it out of my way.

I can get more details when I'm back up there in a couple of weeks. Might post a topic in the classifieds at that time.

If you can transport it, you can have it.

 

[Bobby V]

It’s been six years?

11/18 it will be 6 years old. Good thing I had a good electrician wire it up.

 

[Waterjunky]

On this topic, I have a swim spa I'm looking to get rid of at my place in NV. Anyone willing to come and get it can have it. Don't have exact measurements, but it's about 5' tall, 12 feet long, and 6 feet wide.

No idea if it works, but it seems to be in good shape. The previous owners left it and a bunch of other stuff when the husband died. I've thought about firing it back up and having it available for us to use, but I doubt we ever would. I'd rather just have it out of my way.

I can get more details when I'm back up there in a couple of weeks. Might post a topic in the classifieds at that time.

If you can transport it, you can have it.

I'm interested in more conversation..... PM will follow.

 

[yz450mm]

Nice backyard. I appreciate the offer to look at it. I am in Spring Valley Lake. This is what I want to replace.

Thank you. You're definitely due for a new one, they are so much nicer now. Expensive, but worth it in my opinion.

 

[Joe mama]

11/18 it will be 6 years old. Good thing I had a good electrician wire it up.

Wow!!! time flies. Hope your doing well I hope you’re doing well.

 

[DLC]

On this topic, I have a swim spa I'm looking to get rid of at my place in NV. Anyone willing to come and get it can have it. Don't have exact measurements, but it's about 5' tall, 12 feet long, and 6 feet wide.

No idea if it works, but it seems to be in good shape. The previous owners left it and a bunch of other stuff when the husband died. I've thought about firing it back up and having it available for us to use, but I doubt we ever would. I'd rather just have it out of my way.

I can get more details when I'm back up there in a couple of weeks. Might post a topic in the classifieds at that time.

If you can transport it, you can have it.

Post up a pics !

I might be interested if it’s clean and not trashed and I have a trailer - take it to the hava house !

 

[Bpracing1127]

Post up a pics !

I might be interested if it’s clean and not trashed and I have a trailer - take it to the hava house !

call second dibs

 

[Wizard29]

Post up a pics !

I might be interested if it’s clean and not trashed and I have a trailer - take it to the hava house !

It's definitely not trashed, just dirty/dusty on the inside under the cover because it hasn't been used or even looked at for a couple of years. These pics aren't very good and are the best I have at the moment. I'll get more pics when I'm up there in a couple of weeks and make sure those of you who have expressed interest are aware when I post again.

The real challenge with this thing will be to get it up onto a trailer. It's definitely not small.

 

[Cray Paper]

On a separate note how is everything with the merger going up there? I’ll be out that way quite a bit teaching and training the instructors that stayed on board.

Its going alright. I haven't been following the the politics / changes with the locals since our last contract was up 4 years ago. But I'm still pissed off about the abuse / losses from our retirement funds People should have gone to jail, but didn't. I am an "associate member" as I'm salaried so I have limited input with the union.

The last contract dispute was a joke, the drywallers and grid guys forced the strike with their voting but they had to work and while the others couldnt. The drywall and grid guys were supposed to cross the picket and work and pay the union 40% of their pay to cover the strike fund. Total shit show.

Carpenters, labors, operating engineers, electricians and ironworkers contracts are all up the end of this month. Should be an interesting June.

 

[LHC Kirby]

SOLD. SOLD
$4500….. priority to first pick up. In LHC ….. willing to sell, not need to sell.
Did I say it is SOLD

 

[DLC]

It's definitely not trashed, just dirty/dusty on the inside under the cover because it hasn't been used or even looked at for a couple of years. These pics aren't very good and are the best I have at the moment. I'll get more pics when I'm up there in a couple of weeks and make sure those of you who have expressed interest are aware when I post again.

The real challenge with this thing will be to get it up onto a trailer. It's definitely not small.

View attachment 1369479
View attachment 1369481

I have friends and 4 wheel carts….

 

[throttle]

I have friends and 4 wheel carts….

and Dave has a trailer you can borrow.

 

[welldigger00]

220v is a must. Don’t get caught up in all the pool supply store chemicals. Regular granular chlorine and baking soda is all you need. You don’t need any of the extra bullshit waterfalls, 10 thousand jets, etc. I don’t care for the recliner seat ones either, they take up all of one side and,when the jets are on, you just blow out of the seat anyway. . I tend to move around from all the seats when I use mine. The Least amount of pillows, pads, etc also. They get full of Crud, and it’s more to clean.

 

[BabyRay]

220v is a must. Don’t get caught up in all the pool supply store chemicals. Regular granular chlorine and baking soda is all you need. You don’t need any of the extra bullshit waterfalls, 10 thousand jets, etc. I don’t care for the recliner seat ones either, they take up all of one side and,when the jets are on, you just blow out of the seat anyway. . I tend to move around from all the seats when I use mine. The Least amount of pillows, pads, etc also. They get full of Crud, and it’s more to clean.

I agree with you on everything except the chemicals. What is needed will vary based on the water source and usage factors. For example, you can’t lower pH with baking soda.

I’ve also found it helpful to add Boric acid, as it significantly stabilizes the pH (pH is important to the efficacy of chlorine).

Using a non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate) will keep the tub cleaner, as it eats organics, unlike chlorine, and it will prevent combined chlorine as well so you won’t ever smell chlorine.

When you change the water, using a pipe-cleaning agent will help a lot with the crud. There are many brands. I’ve only used this one;

Hot Tub/Jetted Bath Plumbing & Jet Cleaner

Clean your hot tub and jetted bath’s plumbing and jets without manual scrubbing. Environmentally friendly, safe for septic systems & more. View product.

ahhsome.com

Another suggestion I’d make to anyone with a tub would be to buy a saltwater chlorine generator. You’ll never bleach anything (chlorine level will only need to be 1-2 ppm), your chlorine level will be constantly maintained at a safe level with no effort, your water will stay cleaner and it will last much longer (mine hasn’t been changed in six months, and it’s spotless with perfect chemical balance). The amount of salt required is less than your tears contain, so there’s no corrosion. I’ve had this one for a year, and it’s worked perfectly;

SmarterSpa - ControlOMatic

SmarterSpa is the only saltwater chlorine generator with chlorine detection built into the electrode. It knows when to turn on. When it turns off, it will stay off until chlorine production is needed again based on the chlorine measurement. Eliminate the guesswork. Relax. Buy Now SmarterSpa...

www.controlomatic.com

You’ll likely get somewhat of a scum line no matter what you do. The best thing I’ve found to clean it off is cheap “magic eraser” type of pads. They remove it with very little effort, and no cleaning agents are required (though I do scrub it down with cleaner when changing the water).

Amazon.com

Here’s a link to an excellent app for managing the water chemistry;

‎Pool Water Calculator

‎Pool Water Calculator is an all-in-one pool and spa management suite containing the tools and features you need to quickly balance and maintain your pool or spa. Use the chemistry calculator to quickly find the chemical dosages needed to balance your water. Customize your preferred chemical...

apps.apple.com

Hopefully not overkill on the info, but I’m kinda passionate about keeping my hot tub clean and safe.

And, no, I’m not an internet influencer.

 

[mjc]

I have used bromine in my spa for years. The levels are lower than chlorine so less smell. I need just a little ph up about once a month and change water maybe once a year, usually about now when I change and not heat for the rest of summer.

 

[Bobby V]

220v is a must. Don’t get caught up in all the pool supply store chemicals. Regular granular chlorine and baking soda is all you need. You don’t need any of the extra bullshit waterfalls, 10 thousand jets, etc. I don’t care for the recliner seat ones either, they take up all of one side and,when the jets are on, you just blow out of the seat anyway. . I tend to move around from all the seats when I use mine. The Least amount of pillows, pads, etc also. They get full of Crud, and it’s more to clean.

I get that 220v is better. But Im happy with my 110v. Just needed to run a dedicated outlet to my backyard from my garage dryer outlet that wasn’t being used.

 

[BabyRay]

I get that 220v is better. But Im happy with my 110v. Just needed to run a dedicated outlet to my backyard from my garage dryer outlet that wasn’t being used.

You must not live in the Northwest, ‘cause it’s a bitch sitting in a cold tub.

 

[Bobby V]

You must not live in the Northwest, ‘cause it’s a bitch sitting in a cold tub.

I live in So Cal. Mine is set at 104*. Stays close to that with the lid on al the time.

 

[Cray Paper]

I am not interested in buying a tub that was built in China (no doubt the electronics and more than likely the pumps, piping and valves were made there) so trying to stay made in the USA as much as possible. Google search wasn't worth a shit when adding US made hot tubs to the search. Guess I'm looking for US made tub and structure, anyone one have a solid recommendation from a recent purchase?

I need to run the electrical and rework the sprinkler system before I form and pour the patio, walkways and tub pad. Not ready to buy it right now but need to know exactly what were buying later this summer to land the power for it.

 

[Mcob25rg]

Bullfrog. No wood, just like all the new higher end boats. 220 only way to get heater and pumps running at the same time. Had about 8 through out the years. Just my 2 cents

 

[trophybug19]

Does anybody know a model that is just straight bench seating all the way around. Not interested in the fancy loungers. Really just want a model that is built like a in ground spa would be.

 

[checkrdpast]

As part of our back yard renovation this year we are looking to add a hot tub. I bought a used one from a friend 25 years ago and at the time I wasn't all that interested in sitting still long enough to enjoy it. I sold it a year later, and after having to replace plumbing parts on it.

That said, it's just going to be my wife and I using it mostly but occasionally having the kids or friends over, so max use at a time would be 4. I'm sure a hot tub salesman will give us a good rundown on what they are promoting, but what say you? What are the key things to consider when purchasing a hot tub?

The panel on our home has space for the breakers and the service can handle 220v. Just looking for advise on size, manufacture and options that are beneficial / worth the added $.

DEPTH !

 

[BabyRay]

DEPTH !

That’s one of the nice things about the Bullfrog spas….the jetpacks can be moved to any seat, and the seat depths vary so you can move your favorite jets to the depths that you prefer.