reccomended Hot tub

[rem300wsm]

Looking to maybe buy a used hot tub if anyone owns one, let me know what brand to stay away from and how much your power bill has increased after usage thanks.

[artie]

It might just be me but I have had alot of trouble with my hot tub. Also alot of people I know have had alot of trouble. For me if I was going to do it over again I would put in a Sauna. That way you are heating only when you use it.

[grunger]

We bought a used Beachcomber about 4 years ago and it is still working perfect. It's about 10 years old now. It doesn't have all the fancy jets that the new ones have but we got it reconditioned (new pumps, jets) from the Calgary dealer with a 3 year warranty.

In the summer I don't really notice a big increase in the electrical bill, in the winter probably about $50 more.

[Coldone]

Guess it depends what kinda usage your looking to get from it.. Personally I'd look at those portable Softtubs.. Use it at the lake, house, not as fancy as the ones out there can get.. But does the job none the less.. And for a fraction of the cost..

[rawhide]

Go with Beachcomber, I have had ours for 4 years now. With very little maintenace. Just had to replace the heating element this year ($80.00). Not bad considering it has been full and used year round since we bought. A family of four and use is it 5-8 times a week. It is outside and they are built for the canadian winters. Heating bills are up about +- $70.00 - 80.00 extra a month.

I would also look at Artic Spa's. Their made right here in Alberta in Thorsby. I would think they would be good for our weather too. You can find cheap models out their like at Costco etc. But they are made in the states and are not insulated for outside use. Will work, but expect to have high Electic bills. Unless u plan to put it inside ur house.

Cheers,

[roger]

http://www.wsetech.com/poolheaters.php
call these guys for doing that heating job. you still may need a boiler/electrical subsystem but at least some of your needs can be met for less.
and these are designed for saskatchewan

[Skybuster]

We have a Polar Spa and it is outdoors as well. It has been great. The dealer makes a guarantee that they will increase your bill no more than $20 per month. I have never taken them up on it and I believe the winter rate is more like $50 per month, but in summer it is way down. What I really like about the polar spa is how it is insulated. The cabinet walls are insulated, unlike the Beachcomber which is foam filled. Two main reasons I like this, first, if there is a leak you can get to it and repair it. with foam filled it is a nightmare. Second, if it is the middle of winter, -30, the day before New years and your heater quits, can't get a replacement in town, have to get one shipped up here, gonna take 4 days; The polar Spa can be kept warm by placing a 1500 watt heater inside the cabinet. I know this from experience. The water was cold and heading toward a big expensive ice cube. Placed a little 1500 watt heater in the cabinet and kept everything warm. In fact on the third day it was so warm I was tempted to get in, but it was still 30 below out so I decided not to.

I believe Arctic Spas are designed the same way. The only complaint I have about the polar spa is the lack of dealer support. The head shop is in Kelowna. They have tried some outposts up north but they have failed. There is a dealer (sort of) in Edmonton. I actually bought my spa from him. But I found out later that he is a rogue Polar dealer. And when I turned to him for support I could not get a hold of him. I was able to get a hold of Kelowna, but that is a long way for support.

The sauna answer is a thought worth considering. The ongoing cost of a hot tub is a lot more than just the electrical bill. The chemicals needed will run a a fair bit depending on how many you choose to use. There is Chlorine, then Foam Away, scents, and Ph up and Ph down, and another chemical to protect the equipment. Then there are the filters, $50 every 3-4 months, sometimes longer if you clean them carefully. And then you need to keep on top of the maintenance, every couple of days you need to check the chemical make up of the water and touch up the chemical mix. Polar Spas claim their ozone unit virtually eliminates the need for chlorine, don't believe it.

All in All if I had it to do over again, as much as I enjoy a hot tub, I'd take a real hard look at the sauna idea.

[marlin1]

Beachcomber for years , still love it . Nothing better for sore muscles . My sister has a sauna , built with wood from Finland inside , love it too but for different reasons . Way less maintenance with the sauna

[KJPFISH]

X2 for Polar Spa. We have had ours now for about 6 years and have not spent 1 cent in repairs. It is outside, but underneath our upper deck. It does take some maintenance, cleaning and chemicals, but we enjoy ours all year round - even in minus 30 weather. Sorry - I cannot help you with the extra heating bill costs - I never bothered to keep track.

KJPFISH

[thepyrofish]

Guess it depends what kinda usage your looking to get from it.. Personally I'd look at those portable Softtubs.. Use it at the lake, house, not as fancy as the ones out there can get.. But does the job none the less.. And for a fraction of the cost..


I loved mine when we used it (it's a small house and we'd rather have the space back). It's the 6-man tub and it always worked flawlessly for us. I don't have exact numbers offhand but it was quite cheap to run (googling says around $10 a month for power). The only downside is it does take a long time to heat up when you first fill it. This is due to the fact that the heat for the water is scavenged from the pump's operation. It keeps the power bill down, but it took ours a day or two to get up to temp the first time.

It's not fancy but it doesn't feel like some cheap walmart junk either (I actually found the soft liner more comfortable than a hard tub). I think ours sold new for around $4500 or 4500 dollars? A used 6 man goes for around 3k in good condition.

[longshot270]

A buddy bought an Arctic spa and said it had a lot of features not in other ones and he suggested to me to only get an Arctic spa, so he must like his. Now I see I get a company discount on Jacuzzi's through a store in town, but I don't know much about them. But I do know I am cheap, so if I get one I might go that route. LOL.

[needmoretoys]

I have had an Artic Spa for 8 years now and have just started to replace the jets. They are build locally (thorsby) and they are designed for our climate. I would get another in a heart beat. Also you can get support and parts easily. Arctic all the way.

[sirmike68]

Do not buy any tub that is filled full of insulation. Maintenace is inevitable and having access to all of the plumbing and pumps is crucial. Sunray tubs are great and are built the same way as the arctic spas but of a lower standard. Fit and finish might not be the same but it is the best bang for your buck. I've had mine for 7 years and I have only replace one seal on a pump and a couple of jets.

[doetracks]

I've only had an Arctic Spa, and LOVED it. I'm not sure if it's worth getting a 6 man or bigger if it's just a couple of you that use it (I don't share my spa ;) ). My 4 man was PERFECT.

If we were going to live in this place longer, we'd sure as hell get one. Saunas are good for different reasons, but for me, the spa is the way to go. I don't mind the upkeep.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d166/FlybabeYukon/Yukon%20House%20Stuff/GoinTubbin.jpg