Hot tub purchase advise sought

[zipper]

Here is my most humble request for any info on buying a hot tub. I have a budget of around $5k. Should I buy new? What brands? Dealers? How about used? Care to share your experiences both good and bad? I need help. zip

[Maddie'sDaddy]

Ive had my Marquis tub for about 8 yrs now with very few problems, just a couple minor things while still under warranty and was taken care of immediately, I was told by many if your going to invest in a tub, buy a good one otherwise you will be spending the extra money to fix the cheaper one anyways.

Get something that uses the cartridge type filters and an Ozonator as this will lessen the amount of chemicals you will need to use. I think when it comes to a tub, less is more as far as bells and whistles, main thing is get good jet arrangements, something else to concider is Marquis have interchangable jets on some of there tubs. Just know that you will never get back what you pay for a tub as they do not hold value well at all.


Good luck



MD

[Duckwheat]

I have never bought one. Everyone I know who has quits using them around the end of year two.

I buy a used one cheap and see if you are a life time Hot Tub user or a two year guy.

DW

[zipper]

Thanks MD - I'll check out Marquis. DW - My wife has degenerative disks in her lower back - and hot tub use seems to help so I doubt that we'll be "quitters". All three of my kids are athletes also and always complaining about aches and pains. It's a valid point though as I've known a couple people just like you describe.

Keep 'em coming!

Thanks!

Zip

[MacFish]

I bought a used one from a friend, so I knew it's condition. While used tubs can be a real bargain, you can inherit problems too, so be careful. I had originally planned on getting a smaller 110v model, but when the opportunity presented itself to get a larger one from my friend, I took it. Over the past year I realized that I'm much, much happier with the bigger tub, and 220v is much better than 110v. I also love the lounge seat and rotating massage jets. Save enough in your budget to install and wire it, because whether 110 or 220, it may run you upwards of $500 to do it and meet code. Oregon Hot Spring Spas has a warehouse on Bethany Ct. where they sell trade ins at a good price and they check them out first. After a year we still enjoy ours, although not as often as we did right after we got it.

[Radke]

I bought an Arctic about 2 years ago, and have been very happy with it. No issues other than a blown fuse. The tub, startup kit, and a few extra goodies cost me 5K.

Someone mentioned getting one with an ozoneator. My first tub had one, the bulb burnt out at 3 years, and a replacement was $450. Not sure if I would go that route again. That tub was harder to manage than my current tub.

[DogZilla15]

They cause divorces.......

[Herring Impaired]

If your wife has a medical condition that a hot tub might provide therapy for, you might consider talking to a Dr. about a prescription for one. Perhaps write it off as a medical expense.

We bought a Tub at Costco on sale (Originally ~ $5200 for $3500), Infinity Spas. Has worked out very well for us.
Only problem has been the stereo, and Costco has been very good at following through and making sure it gets replaced.

[fish_on]

We just went through a long hot tub search, we looked at all the brands, talked to several independent service techs, and did a few factory tours. We ended up going with a LA Spa from Spa Outlet. The LA Spa's have all pressure treated redwood frames, not just the bottom pieces, extra support on the bottom, and lots of insulation. We also went with a a chlorine/bromine free chemical system called Baquaspa. It's nice to have a tub that doesn't smell like a hot tub. I know they have a model that fits right in your budget and is a very nice tub.

[Geemo]

Check the State Fair for sales. Oregon Hot Spring use to have a space at the fair. They also had a discount if you purchased at fair time.

We have an Oregon Hot Spring. Like others have said, we don't use it as much now as we did in the beginning.

Our's is about 9 years old and in fine condition. The surround of the tub is the simulated (plastic) wood. It's nice, no wood rot. We haven't had any real problems. Replaced the pump and bought a new cover last year and that's about it. When the covers get water loggggged it almost impossible to open.

The warehouse idea of MacFish would be worth checking out.

[MacFish]

I'll second the baqua

[Fossil]

About 8 years ago we purchased the smallest Hot Springs spa they made. We had a limited space was one reason but the other was it operated on 110 not 220. Our tub was very well insulated and very quite when the jets weren't on.
No service calls and have only had to replace a head rest pillow.
Two thumbs up for me.
Good luck.

[Bloom]

My first Hot Springs spa that stayed with the house we sold down south gave us 5 years of excellent service and very cheap to run. We bought our 2nd one 4 years ago and with the exception of a failed switch, we've had no problems. Good fit and finish, well insulated and quiet.

[roadsend]

Bought mine at COSTCO. Good spa, good price. No problems or service calls yet.

[zipper]

Thanks for all the great advise. Anyone else want to chime in? How about what to look for and what's essential vs fluff? Again, I appreciate the input! zip

[Halfhooked]

i think folks buy tubs that dont have enough HP in the pump. My dad installed Tubs when i was a kid growing up. Back in the day when Redwood tubs were all of the rage.

People dont realize that when you add all of those jets, thy need a pump that can move water and make those jets push water hard. There is nothing wose than lots of therapy jets and not enough HP to power them.

My

[marys netter]

Oregon hot springs, Ours is a 1984, yes 1984 model and still going strong. probably cost about $250.00 in parts all these years but guess what they still have all the replacement parts for this spa and fantastic people to deal with.
Ours is 120V and never shut it down, can't hardly tell the electrical use!
The only brand I would consider is this and if it ever wears out will buy another.
Dave

[Maddie'sDaddy]

Originally Posted by Halfhooked

i think folks buy tubs that dont have enough HP in the pump. My dad installed Tubs when i was a kid growing up. Back in the day when Redwood tubs were all of the rage.

People dont realize that when you add all of those jets, thy need a pump that can move water and make those jets push water hard. There is nothing wose than lots of therapy jets and not enough HP to power them.

My

Yep, Thats why I like my 240V Marquis, it has 2 very strong pumps running 2 different zones and the jets can be interchanged with ones that do different things, and it is quite energy efficient, cant hardly tell the difference on my bill. Just my opinion but I would also stay away from the lounge chair type seats as they will float you around and you have to keep trying to stay put in them.


MD

[huntercgr]

I'm in agreement with Maddie'sDaddy, we also have had a Marquis for 7 years and it's been trouble free. When your ozanator goes out, you can get new ones for $100.

I have the lounger, and that's my primary seat. It hits my lower back just right.

[lostpuppy]

I have the Marquis rondevue a two person triangle shaped tub. It will run on V or V. As said before get the ozonator. I highly recommend you look at marquis. We looked around and found the best deal there.

[SeaSparrow]

We have a Sundance brand bought 6 yrs ago with an ozonator and 2 pumps (one is a 2 speed). We love it!!! No problems other than a waterlogged cover we replaced last fall. Comfort of the seat layout is crucial and very individual. Sit in them and see if the seats feel comfortable. You won't regret it!

[Maddie'sDaddy]

With these cooler nights we are now getting, I spent today draining and giving the tub its seasonal cleaning I give it once a year before the cold hits and I will say that with the ozonator and the shell has a anti microbial plastic this tub never turns the water green or off color at all and with the dual filters its crystal clear , its now heating and Im so looking forward to a nice dip in it with my wife and daughter, I had a little longer week than usual (Thanks Steve) and it sounds like a good way to end the holiday weekend.

Zipper , if you like what you see in a Marquis tub , watch for the tent sales they do with closout deals on slightly older but new tubs, you might get a better deal.









The seat to the left has back jets and wrist jets , my wife had bad carpol tunnel and it helped her alot.













This is the Therapy seat that a back and or neck sufferer can not live
without, there are three jets you cannot see that hit your neck also.



MD

[Jettin' Fool]

I have a LA Spa H.E.E.T. from Spa Outlet in Clackamas. Lots of jets, waterfalls, lights, etc.

We have been very happy with it.

[Halfhooked]

when is the party and what do i bring?

[zipper]

Thanks all! I appreciate all the feedback. I'll stop at Spa Outlet today on the way to my son's soccer game, then I'll look at Marquis, Hot springs and Sundance... We'll do something even if it's wrong. I would like to be sitting in the tub before the rains fly.... Again, thanks for taking the time to post. zip

[boone]

I bought a Gulf Coast spa. We've had it going on 4 years and still use it regularly, especially in the winter. Only one issue so far and they sent me the parts to repair it after a short talk with the service guys. We paid right at 1/2 the MSRP and that was deliverd to the back of the house. We did the hookup ourselves.

[Go_Getter]

Don't bother with a lounge in the spa, All you do is float up anyway. seats are better. Got mine @ costco was about $1200 less for a comparable spa from Marquis.

[Bobberman]

I have had 3 spas and 2 that have been recomended here. If i buy another spa I think it will be a Hot Springs.

[Herring Impaired]

Don't forget a custom built Gazebo for year round use!

[zipper]

Nice gazebo. Did you design and build? Maybe by next winter I'll be able to afford that feature.... one thing at a time. (and don't show that to my wife!) zip

[Herring Impaired]

Did you design and build?

Yes and Yes... Thats how I missed a large chunk of last springer season!