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Talk to me about a hot tub

Posted on 12/2/21 at 4:53 pm
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37105 posts
Posted on 12/2/21 at 4:53 pm
We have a slab in our backyard that we have struggled what do with. We have a corner house and the slab is on the side of the house, not the side that the detached garage is on. The slab runs about 40 feet long and 12 feet wide, imagine a driveway but it does not go past the fence (there is a gate there that you can walk through then walk through the yard to the street). Between the fence and sidewalk is an electrical / cable box so maybe that's why it was never a full driveway.

For 7 years we have struggled with how to use this, and we are now thinking of getting a hut tub put on it. This would be one of the above ground models with steps to get into it.

I've done some research online but am struggling with where to begin. We think we want to hire a company to buy from and set it up. It's not easy trying to find pricing info online.

I think the concrete is fine to put it on. It is on the same side of the house as the electrical panel, as I'm guessing we will need to run electricity to it. (Our panel has a breaker marked "pool" and we think many years ago the backyard had an in-ground or a sunken pool).

I've looked at some models online and probably a six seater is what we would be looking for. We want something easy to maintain and will last. Will get a cover for it.

NOLA area.

Tell me...

1) Companies you recommend
2) What we should consider / think about
3) Ballpark "all-in" pricing for purchase, installation, etc
4) How hard/expensive to maintain/keep clean
Posted by KingofZydeco
On da bayou
Member since Jul 2009
1000 posts
Posted on 12/2/21 at 5:07 pm to
I helped my dad with their hot tub... so I have some pointers....

Most (if not all) require 220v power, so you'll need an electrician to run a 220v sub panel to near where you hot tub will be setup. That cost will depend on the distance, but you could assume probably 500-1000$.

You can save money if you find a used one, but it is definitely hit or miss.

There isn't much "installation" besides the power you have to run to it and hook up. You could probably allow whoever you get to run the electric to "hook it up" to power.

Maintaining is pretty easy (especially if you keep it covered).

I'm not sure on what new tubs cost, but if you buy new they should deliver to whatever spot you want it setup at.
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
38799 posts
Posted on 12/2/21 at 7:52 pm to
quote:

a six seater is what we would be looking for.

kinky
Posted by CoachChappy
Member since May 2013
32543 posts
Posted on 12/3/21 at 9:07 am to
quote:

1) Companies you recommend
2) What we should consider / think about
3) Ballpark "all-in" pricing for purchase, installation, etc
4) How hard/expensive to maintain/keep clean


1) I Can't help you in NOLA

2/3) That really depends on the model. 2 things to consider Plug and play will be much cheaper. $2K-$5K It needs a 110 but can only heat OR run the heater. I've been told that you can run a second 110 and run both, but I haven't done that to mine as it is still under warranty.
A 220 will be more powerful and can heat and run pumps. They are more expensive. $8K-$25K+ It really depends on all the bells and whistles.

4) Maintenance is very cheap. I would recommend buying a chemical starter pack. That way you have everything. there are TONS of Youtube videos on how to keep everything running right.

Last, like everything else, they are super backed up. During the pandemic, people went crazy buying hot tubs.
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37105 posts
Posted on 12/3/21 at 11:10 am to
quote:

2 things to consider Plug and play will be much cheaper. $2K-$5K It needs a 110 but can only heat OR run the heater.


So when it's heating the water, it's not running the pump/jets?

Do you ever need to run the heater while the jets are running / you are in it?
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37105 posts
Posted on 12/3/21 at 11:11 am to
quote:

You can save money if you find a used one, but it is definitely hit or miss.


I've read a lot of horror stories about leaks, cracks, etc with used ones. And I don't think I know enough to know what to look for to avoid this.
Posted by damn_baw69
Member since Mar 2021
95 posts
Posted on 12/3/21 at 11:38 am to
I just set up an inflatable hot tub. Got it for $300 from Walmart and put it on pallets with stall mats on top.
Posted by shadowdancer
Member since Nov 2021
136 posts
Posted on 12/3/21 at 12:25 pm to
Personally, I think hot tubs are good in cold climates. Being in a hot tub when snow is falling is enjoyable.

New Orleans would seem to have too much hot and warm weather to get full enjoyment out of a hot tub.
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37105 posts
Posted on 12/3/21 at 2:20 pm to
quote:

I just set up an inflatable hot tub. Got it for $300 from Walmart and put it on pallets with stall mats on top.


Have you tried it out yet? How is it?

I saw those around Black Friday and my thought was they can't really be that durable/comfortable and I'd have to throw away after a few months.

Can you even keep those up for long periods of time?
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37105 posts
Posted on 12/3/21 at 2:21 pm to
quote:

Personally, I think hot tubs are good in cold climates. Being in a hot tub when snow is falling is enjoyable.

New Orleans would seem to have too much hot and warm weather to get full enjoyment out of a hot tub.


I could sit in a hot tub year round, even in the south.
Posted by shadowdancer
Member since Nov 2021
136 posts
Posted on 12/3/21 at 5:01 pm to
quote:

I could sit in a hot tub year round, even in the south.


I'm cold natured, but I don't want to sit in a hot tub when it is hot outside.

I saw a place in South Texas that had a hot tub perched above the Pecos River Canyon (I think) at the point where the river is spring fed. I would sit in that hot tub year round.
Posted by coonass27
shreveport
Member since Mar 2008
3620 posts
Posted on 12/4/21 at 7:55 am to
They are durable and have options for seats that go on the inside. I had one for a couple years. The main unit went out 2 days after warranty expired and they would not budge. Paid 250 for a new one. The tub isn’t insulated so be prepared to only be in it for about 10 min when it’s cold outside as the temp drops quick

Posted by greygoose
Member since Aug 2013
11458 posts
Posted on 12/4/21 at 9:01 am to
quote:

LSUFanHouston
Best advice I can give, considering I just bought the same thing 18 months ago is, DO NOT GET A DYNASTY SPA! Very shitty company. Don't get fooled by the attractive price and all the neat little features. At some point, something isn't going to work, or will break. I love using my hot tub, but dealing with asshat companies/manufacturers that don't even make the parts for you NEW tub anymore, will get the blood pressure up!

If I had to do it over, I'd spend more and get a Jacuzzi brand. I have a buddy that has a really old one, and it's still going strong. Mine looks like it's twice as old as it is, even with it being very well maintained.
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37105 posts
Posted on 12/4/21 at 9:42 pm to
quote:

DO NOT GET A DYNASTY SPA! Very shitty company. Don't get fooled by the attractive price and all the neat little features. At some point, something isn't going to work, or will break. I love using my hot tub, but dealing with asshat companies/manufacturers that don't even make the parts for you NEW tub anymore, will get the blood pressure up!


This is example of what I'm looking for. Thank you.
Posted by Thecoz
Member since Dec 2018
2537 posts
Posted on 12/5/21 at 2:02 pm to
Four years from now you will love it and it will look great sitting next to your boat….

Get a disposable one online first and try it a few years to see how committed you are…

Btw same recommendation for a boat purchase… buy a used one and if still using it five years later invest in a nice new one..
Posted by gerald65
Moss Bluff, LA
Member since Jul 2020
710 posts
Posted on 12/5/21 at 7:29 pm to
FWIW.....

The house across the street from me was rented to a family. After Hurricane Laura, they had to move out due to house damage.

The renter had put in a hot tub and just left there. The home owner knew a guy in Lake Charles that would come pick up the hot tub. I don't know if home owner actually sold the hot tub or just gave it away. I talked to guy that took the hot tub. He said that he started doing hot tub work several years ago and quit is "day" job to do this full time. He told me you would not believe how many people use the HT for a few years and then want to get rid of them.

He said this HT was a fairly high end model and worth several thousand. He said that he makes any needed repairs and them sells them.

Maybe there is someone in your area that does this and you could save a lot vs. buying new.
Posted by damn_baw69
Member since Mar 2021
95 posts
Posted on 12/6/21 at 2:38 pm to
Very comfortable and durable. No built-in seats so there is more room inside. From reviews I've seen I should get at least 3 years out of this thing. I plan on having it stay hot all winter.

LINK
This post was edited on 12/6/21 at 2:40 pm
Posted by coachbush
Lake Charles
Member since Sep 2016
108 posts
Posted on 12/7/21 at 11:36 am to
We recently purchased a Pace model spa for the back patio. It can run either 110 or 220. With 220 you can have heat and jets on at same time. With 110 its either/or. So far so good, have to stay on top of chemicals as our city water isn't the greatest.
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37105 posts
Posted on 12/7/21 at 1:25 pm to
quote:

I plan on having it stay hot all winter.


Do you leave it on or just turn on before you want to get in?

Do you just step over the inside to get in? Doesn't look that tall.
Posted by TigerSprings
Southeast LA
Member since Jan 2019
1586 posts
Posted on 12/7/21 at 2:25 pm to
You can have mine.
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