Hot Tubs

[LisaR]

Need some buying advice on hot tubs. We have owned three tubs in three different houses over the years. However, we haven't had one for over 10 years now. We would like to purchase a small spa (4 person) but don't know what to go with. We are looking at a Hot Springs but one thing the sales person said that I can't get out of my head is, "we get a lot of used ones in here regularly because after the warrenty is up in five years people want to buy a new model." If I had to sell everything everytime a warrenty expired I would be poor. That doesn't seem right to me.

Does anyone have a synthetic shell? Are they as good as the wood cases?

Are the Walmart, Home Depot, etc ones "you get what you pay for" type things? Of course, if I need to get a new one every five years, maybe cheap is the way to go?

This will be outdoors on a screened porch in FL, if that matters. My last three were outdoors in Michigan so I am assuming this one will at least be cheaper to heat.

Any advance, brand recommendations, things to look for, etc would be appreciated. Thanks!

Lisa

 

[denisem]

Bumping this up (as we're also thinkin' about getting one...)

 

[Lanshark]

I have a 2 person Hot Springs and absolutely love it. We live in GA so the winters are not extreme and we have it in an enclosed sunroom. My DD is in it right now. I've never had a problem with it.

 

[hydster]

We have an arctic spa and love it. My inlaws bought one from Costco and it's a piece of garbage! They have had to have the heater fixed about 12 times in 4 years. My brother who lives in Colorado bought a Bullfrog spa and it is amazing!!! We've had our Arctic for about 5 years and have had a few problems with it but nothing that we paid for and nothing that wasn't fixed in a matter of a few hours. Ours is outside and we live in Utah. I don't think this year we will be filling it however as last year we didn't use it much. I am also just getting it out of my brain from my last time in it when I got hot tub folliculitis. EWWWW is all I can say.

 

[CharlesTD]

I would reccomend Arctic Spas here is the link to their website very good spa/hot tub this is what we are having installed in the spring. These are Canadian owned and built hot tubs from Alberta Canada.
http://www.goarctic.com/index.php?d...CUWFNYV9jRk9aczFMTzlndDlHUUs2a2RIV2hOQSI7fQ==

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We had a hot tub for a year, but sold it--after DH got over his GBS last spring we rarely used it, and the electric use was more than we anticipated.(plus that is now our 2006 vacation fund seed money).
I did tons of research and here are the top 5 brands in no particular order:
hot springs
sundance
marquis
thermospa
master spa

We had a marquis euphoria that sat 7 and absolutely loved it. They are a very reliable, highly rated brand. Our neighbor just got a sundance, and I know people with masterspa and hot springs and everyone seems to be happy with their choices. We looked at all but thermospa (no local dealer) and it was a tough call! Except our masterspa dealer was a little too "hard close" for me--wanted me to get one then and there, "what will it take to sell you this spa today Mrs. M___"--I hate that.
One thing I think you need to do--if it is possible, wet test the spa. That means going to the store and getting in the thing! Hopefully the model you are looking at is filled. DH liked a hot spring when we purchased but I kept floating out of the seats (also floated out of the lounger seats, so our spa did not have a lounger). Some stores have a separate room for this, others will let you stay a little after closing or come in early. Sure it feels weird, but who wants to pay that kind of money and then not like it?
BTW the Home Depot, etc. spas are junk. Do not waste your money.
Any other questions and I will try to check back later.
Robin M.

 

[LisaR]

Thanks so much for all the info. I am going to checkinto the brands everyone mentioned. I found a dealer today that sells Artesian Spas. I really liked the looks of these.

Lisa

 

[tiggersmom2]

We just recently purchased a Dimension 1 hot tub. We opted for the Lotus Bay model and all I can say is WOW! These tubs are ergonomically designed and you don't float out of the seats.

Here is the website:
http://www.d1spas.com/

Also, with my old hottub....it ate alot of electricity. The D1 adds maybe an additional 10.00 per month to my electric bill. I can't say enough good things about this tub...it was worth every penny!

 

[SplshMtn99]

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


The entire poolandspa website is a wealth of information.

 

[lucyanna girl]

We have a larger Hot Springs Spa and LOVE it! Had some other brand at our last house that I had never heard of and the difference is amazing. Lower electricity bills and much more comfortable. It cost more to begin with but I feel in the long run we will save money.